Fresh Express, a leader in the value-added salad category, will launch its newest Chopped Kit: Mediterranean Herb, beginning Sept. 24.
“We’re always paying attention to what consumers are craving, and right now that’s bold, globally inspired flavors in convenient, easy-to-enjoy formats,” said Fabian Pereira, vice president of marketing for the Salinas, CA-based company. “Our Mediterranean Herb Chopped Salad Kit checks all those boxes. It’s got bold, vibrant ingredients like kale, cabbage, crispy chickpeas and feta, paired with a zesty lemon oregano vinaigrette.”
According to data collected by the company, Mediterranean flavors are on the rise—now the seventh most popular flavor profile in the United States, growing at 30 percent—and it saw an opportunity to bring those fresh, craveable tastes to the salad aisle in a way that feels both current and effortless.
“The Mediterranean Herb Chopped Kit brings a fresh, herbaceous twist to the chopped salad category, with premium toppings and a bright vinaigrette that set it apart,” Pereira said. “Within our lineup, it complements fan favorites like Creamy Goddess and Pesto Caesar by offering a lighter, citrus-forward flavor profile. What truly sets it apart is its globally inspired flavor approach, combined with the consistency, quality, and convenience Fresh Express is known for. It’s not just another salad…it’s an elevated eating experience.”
What’s more, the Mediterranean Herb kit tested well with consumers, earning an 80 percent Purchase Intent score.
“We firmly believe in combining art and science when developing new products, and that 80-percent top-two-box Purchase Intent score confirmed we were on the right track,” Pereira said. “But strong concept scores are just the starting point; the real challenge is turning a great idea into a great product. Through extensive testing and multiple rounds of iteration, especially on the dressings and toppings, we refined the kit to match consumer expectations.”
Chopped Kits have grown significantly within the VAS category—now accounting for more than 23 percent. Fresh Express is positioning itself to continue being a leader in this space.
“Chopped Kits deliver on what today’s consumer wants most: big flavor, fresh ingredients and minimal prep,” Pereira said. “As eating habits evolve, people are looking for meal solutions that feel elevated but don’t require a lot of time. Our approach at Fresh Express is to meet that need head-on—with more than 25 chopped varieties that bring bold, restaurant-inspired flavor to the produce aisle. We’ll continue to lead through innovation, listening to consumers and pushing boundaries on what salad can be.”
At Fresh Express, the company stays closely attuned to food trends by monitoring everything from restaurant menus and social media conversations to evolving consumer preferences.
“When we see strong momentum, like the growing national appetite for Mediterranean flavors, we explore how to translate those global inspirations into salads that are both exciting and accessible,” Pereira said. “Timing is critical: you don’t want to be too early on an emerging trend or too late once it peaks. That’s where our approach – combining multiple data sources with real-world experience makes the difference. It’s a blend of art and science, backed by rigorous development and testing. Ultimately, our goal is to make globally inspired flavors easy to enjoy at home, without ever compromising on quality or taste.”
Looking ahead, the company is excited about the future and what’s next.
“The Mediterranean Herb Kit’s success has energized our innovation pipeline and we’re exploring new flavor territories, elevated toppings and even new formats that build on what consumers love about our kits,” Pereira said. “Whether it’s expanding into new global profiles or rethinking what fresh convenience can look like, we’re committed to keeping Fresh Express at the forefront of the category.”
Dining and Cooking