Bonduelle Fresh Americas has launched its Fresh Picked ready-to-eat salads in Canada. Each of the new salads feature fresh leafy greens, seasoned meats such as chicken, turkey and ham, dressings and a variety of toppings such as cheese, veggies or crumbled bacon. The company says they are the first of their type on the Canadian market to feature protein.
"Canadians now have a fresh, convenient, healthier lunch option," notes Stacey Webb, Director, Marketing, Bonduelle Fresh Americas. "The new Bonduelle Fresh Picked ready-to-eat salads are convenient, fresh lunches packed with protein that you can enjoy on-the-go or wherever you are."
While the United States is now a well-established market for single-serve ready-to-eat salads, Canada is still developing. Therefore, the size of the market is much smaller and Bonduelle saw an opportunity to fill that gap with their new salad range.
"Until we launched Bonduelle Fresh Picked ready-to-eat salads, there were relatively few options in this category for consumers," Webb explained. "Additionally, none of the other ready-to-eat salads in the fresh produce aisle included meat protein before we launched. Our company holds more than a 70 percent share of the US$526mm single-serve salad market in the United States. As Canadian consumers are looking for healthier, convenient meal options, we are aiming to significantly grow the existing CAD$24mm market for single-serve ready-to-eat salads."
Canadians like protein!
Bonduelle Fresh Americas has made the Fresh Picked ready-to-eat salads available in five flavours:
• Caesar Salad with Chicken and Bacon
• Greek Inspired with Chicken
• Cobb Salad with Turkey and Bacon
• Chef Inspired with Turkey and Ham
• Santa Fe Style with Chicken
According to the company, Canadian consumers like to have protein in their meals and therefore the intention was always to introduce the salads with protein as part of the ingredient, while providing a healthy meal option. "We know Canadian consumers want healthier, convenient, fresh meal options with the flavours that satisfy their appetites and taste buds,” said Bonduelle Fresh Americas Executive Chef Jeff Haines. “Each of the salads in this new lineup offers just that − cravable flavours Canadian consumers demand, farm-fresh veggies and packed with protein for a satisfying lunch.”
Interestingly, this is one of the points that sets the Canadian market apart from the US market, but overall consumers in both countries are drawn to ready-to-eat and healthy meals, according to Webb. "We do see a small difference in the popularity of certain flavors," she said. "This was a big factor in why we decided to launch the Greek Inspired with Chicken at the start. We also noted how important bacon was to our recipes for Canadian consumers and for this reason we customized our Caesar Salad with Chicken to ensure it was relevant to these consumers. But the common denominator is that both Canadian and American consumers are increasingly busy and looking to find convenient ways to eat healthier in a tasty and satisfying way. The initial positive reception to the Bonduelle Fresh Picked salads has proved this to us."
Greek Inspired with Chicken (left), and Caesar Salad with Chicken and Bacon
Initial focus on eastern Canada
Fresh Picked ready-to-eat salads are available now in Loblaw stores – Loblaws, Zehrs, Provigo, Maxi & Cie and others – in Quebec and Ontario provinces, as well as in the Maritimes, the company said. The products also come with a special seal technology which Bonduelle says will further enhance their convenience.
"Fresh Air Seal technology extends the shelf life of the salads without preservatives, so they stay fresher longer, allowing meal preppers and busy foodies alike the confidence to stock up for the week in just one grocery trip," Webb said. "Each comes ready-to-eat – including the fork – with all of the ingredients separated to maintain flavour, crispness and freshness until consumers are ready to mix and enjoy. Each variety makes a satisfying, delicious meal on its own, all under 310 calories with between 9-18 grams of protein."
"We are thrilled to be able to bring the first ready-to-eat salads featuring meat protein to the Canadian consumer," she concluded. "Bonduelle products feature high-quality, premium ingredients, are clean label and provide consumers with a satisfying lunch or quick meal. The salads are a great way for consumers to get fresh veggies into their diet in a super tasty way."
For more information:
Alan Hilowitz
Bonduelle Fresh Americas
Ph: +1 (626) 678-2222
newsroom@bfa.bonduelle.com
www.bonduelle.ca