Organic food sales, which have grown from a $1 billion dollar category in 1990 to nearly $27 billion in 2010, have become mainstream with distribution not only at natural food retailers but also in more than half of supermarkets, clubs/warehouse stores and mass merchandisers nationwide. Overall, 75 percent of consumers now purchase organics, with 41 percent of primary shoppers buying more organics than a year ago, and 45 percent buying about the same.
Ready Pac Foods Inc., Irwindale, Calif., introduces Ready Pac Bistro Organic Bowl Salads, a line of organic single serve salads in four varieties -- Caesar Cranberry, Orange Ginger Tofu, Zesty Harvest Grains, and Honey Mustard Spinach. They combine the convenience of the company’s unique single-serve salad bowls, 100 percent organic ingredients and recipes to deliver the "culinary adventure" sought by target consumers.
Quality Assurance International (QAI), San Diego, Calif., certifies as organic all of the produce and condiments in Ready Pac Bistro Organic Bowl Salads. For produce items, "certified organic" refers to produce grown on farms that have been inspected by an independent, third-party certifier who ensures compliance with the strict National Organic Program standards set by the USDA. QAI conducts the on-site organic certification of Ready Pac’s processing facilities as well as those of its suppliers, and Ready Pac produces the organic bowl salads from its plants in California, Georgia and New Jersey.
"Single serve and organics are the two fresh-cut salad segments that are driving packaged salad category growth, with 17 and 11 percent growth over last year, respectively," says Tristan Simpson, director of marketing at Ready Pac. "We’re aiming Ready Pac Bistro Organic Bowl Salads at the sweet spot where these two segments, as well as consumer demand for organics and convenient meal solutions, all come together."
Suggested retail price is $4.99.