Value-Added SnackChat

Value-Added SnackChat

Time reigns supreme in my household during the holidays! Give me a chance to get back even five minutes, and I will take it. This time of year, all manner of value-added products adorn my counter as well as those of an ever-expanding sector of shoppers exactly like me. See how you can position your produce department as a bastion of time-saving solutions with a little help from our convenience-forward category captains…


Charis Neves,

Director of Innovation and Product, Taylor Farms

“Perfect for the Big Game, family game night, or a quick meal with friends, we love to partner with fans for strategic meal offerings. Cross-merchandise with fresh tomatoes and avocados, or with deli-prepared pizza and sub sandwiches, and inspire consumers to pick up a bag of our new Taylor Farms Pizza Ranch Chop Kit. Made with creamy pizzeria-style ranch dressing over crisp Romaine, carrots, and red cabbage with crunchy cauliflower and mozzarella Parmesan pizza crusts and Parmesan cheese, this chop kit is an easy-to-prepare addition for any meal occasion.”


Kim Green,

Marketing and Creative Manager, Crunch Pak®

“This is a busy time of year! The kids are back in school, and the holidays are around the corner. Finding healthy snacking solutions for families on the go can be a challenge. At Crunch Pak®, we strive to make snacking healthy, easy, and fun! Our licensed snackers, blendz, and medleys feature characters kids love, like Mickey & Friends, Bluey, PAW Patrol, and Minions, with wholesome ingredients parents approve, like freshly sliced apples, crackers, and cheese. With no sugars added and protein options available, it’s the perfect blend of fun and nutrition in a convenient to-go pack.”


Dave Hewitt,

Vice President of Sales, 4Earth Farms

“Shoppers can elevate their holiday meals with 4Earth Farms™ organic and conventional produce, boasting over 40 value-added items. Featuring fresh green beans, broccoli florets, and Brussels sprouts, as well as our new rainbow carrots, carrot sticks, celery sticks, asparagus, and green onions, we offer convenience and quality. 4Earth Farms is committed to sustainable practices and delivering nutritious, pre-prepped vegetables that save time while enhancing your culinary creations. Add a burst of color, flavor, and health to your dishes with our top-tier produce, ensuring every meal is a celebration of taste, quality, and environmental responsibility.”


Steven Ware,

Vice President and General Manager of Value Added, Naturipe Farms

“The holiday season is pure magic for kids—so the last thing you want is for them to have a hangry meltdown when they should be playing outside, watching classic holiday movies, and tearing open colorfully wrapped presents. With playful characters and bite-sized mini pancakes, pretzels, and cookies, Berry Buddies, Naturipe’s newest value-added product, is sure to be at the top of everyone’s wish list. They’re conveniently packaged and ready to eat, making them the perfect snack to keep kids fueled throughout the holiday season. They’re not just fun to eat but good for you too!”


Fabian Pereira,

Vice President of Marketing and Innovation,
Fresh Express

“At Fresh Express, we invest time and resources to deeply understand our consumers’ needs and consistently innovate with products and solutions that address their demands. Shoppers are looking for convenient, at-home meal solutions that provide a restaurant-quality experience but at a more accessible price point, and our newest innovation, Hot or Cold Salad & Noodle Meal Kits, is an ideal solution. Available in three Asian-inspired flavors (Teriyaki, Asian Sweet Ginger, and Korean Sesame), the kits include freshly chopped vegetables, ready-to-eat pre-cooked noodles, a gourmet dressing sauce, and crispy toppings that can be eaten hot or cold for two meal options in every bag. The kits bring the familiarity of a salad kit to a new format and can be prepared in minutes, making them a desirable product for consumers and retailers alike, especially ahead of the busy holiday season when consumers are crunched for time and looking for ways to streamline meal prep.”


Kathleen Triou,

President and Chief Executive Officer,
Fresh Solutions Network

“Whether you define value-added produce as quick to cook or enhanced with a delicious sauce, our Amazables!® potatoes check all the boxes. This new, crispy-skinned baked potato from the microwave paired with Litehouse® Buffalo Ranch and Loaded sauces is sure to delight. During the hectic holiday season, meal prep can feel overwhelming for shoppers of all ages. Why not surprise them with a gift that lasts beyond the holidays—tasty, convenient, and fresh potatoes that make cooking easy and enjoyable?” 

Value-Added SnackChat