Salad Kits

the fresh

report SALAD KITS

Salad kits remain a consumer favourite for their health, convenience and versatility, especially as producers launch kits with flavourful and nutritious combinations. Amanda Knauff, director of Sales for Taylor Farms Canada, the leading chopped salad brand in Canada, discusses trends in the salad kit category, its continued appeal with consumers, and a delicious new product innovation from the company.

How is the salad kit category performing in Canada, and what trends are you seeing? Salad kits are the largest segment within the valueadded salad category, with 5% dollar growth in the last 12 weeks compared to 3% for the overall category. Chopped salad kits are driving this growth within the salad kit segment, with a 19% increase in the last 12 weeks. The salad kit category continues to expand as consumer demand increases for high-flavour, innovative varieties such as Taylor Farms’ Watermelon Crunch and Guacamole Crunch. Our Dill Pickle Kit is our top preference for consumers.

Why are salad kits so popular with consumers? Canadians are strapped for time and don’t always have the energy to spend hours in the kitchen preparing meals. They’re on the hunt for simple, convenient ways to enjoy restaurant-inspired meals in minutes, with quality products that are clean label and full of plant-powered nutrition. Free from any artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, Taylor Farms’ Chopped Salad Kits are the foundation and inspiration for a variety of meals because they provide a quick and easy way to enjoy a nutritious, quality meal. Consumers are also seeking products that deliver appetizing flavour profiles and international cuisine such as Mexican, Korean and Thai. Taylor Farms allows consumers to create a new flavour adventure each night with a variety of salad kits, including Thai Chili Mango and Buffalo Ranch. And because of their versatility, consumers can customize their salad kit in so many ways. Add smoked salmon to your Everything Chopped Kit or wrap your Caesar Chopped Kit with a tortilla! Are there any recent product innovations from Taylor Farms? Taylor Farms prides itself in its unique innovation, sourcing of quality ingredients, and carefully curated blends of vegetables. We recently launched a one-ofa-kind Watermelon Crunch Chopped Kit using a light vinaigrette made with real watermelon, combined with almonds, toasted watermelon seeds and feta cheese. Canadian summer months are beautiful, and we wanted to create an edible celebration of that beauty through a quintessential flavour that inspires people to enjoy the season.

How can grocery retailers encourage sales of salad kits? Grocery retailers play an important role in boosting sales for salad kits. An increase in flyer exposure throughout the store and in advertisements, coupled with promotion on social media, can help drive consumer awareness towards products they may not have considered in the past. In addition, grocery retailers can cross-promote with Taylor Farms’ Fresh Department to promote quick, nutritious and delicious meal solutions. We also collaborate with social media influencers who target our key demographics to create impactful, positive campaigns introducing consumers to their new favourite salad kits.