CASTROVILLE, CA - Ocean Mist® Farms recently introduced its latest innovation, Roastables, at the Global Produce & Floral Show in October. Featuring three chef-crafted flavor options—which include Sweet Sesame, Lemon Caesar, and Sun-Dried Tomato—these Ready-To-Roast kits feature premium Ocean Mist Brussels sprouts that are trimmed, washed, and ready to cook. Each kit includes an all-natural seasoning packet and a crispy garnish, providing everything needed to create a nutritious and delicious dish in just minutes.

“We understand that today’s consumers are busier than ever, with many households balancing two working parents,” President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Drew commented. “Our goal with these roasting kits is to help families reclaim valuable time without compromising on nutrition or taste.”

Ocean Mist’s new line offers the convenience of home-cooked meals with craveable flavors and minimal prep time, making it easy to create wholesome and tasty side dishes the whole family will love. Roastables can also easily be transformed into complete meals with the addition of a favorite protein.

“Nutrition and flavor don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” said Mark Munger, Senior Director of Marketing. “We collaborated closely with a culinary team in San Francisco to develop the unique flavor profiles for our new Roastables. Our goal was to create dishes that not only deliver exceptional taste, but also replicate the indulgent dining experience of a fine restaurant.”

A press release stated that meal solutions first made their debut many years ago, with bagged salads hitting the retail grocery market in 1989.

“Since then, the category has evolved significantly, expanding well beyond the convenience of pre-peeled, cored, or cut produce,” Munger explained. “Today, value-added fresh produce items that are ready-to-eat/cook and easy-to-prepare have entered the 'meal kit' category. These kits offer complete solutions that include seasonings, sauces, toppings, and other meal accompaniments designed to create a fully prepared dish.”

These meal solutions are not going away any time soon; in fact, there is every indication they will continue to grow in popularity and demand. According to Global Market Insights, the processed fruits and vegetables market size was valued at just over $352 billion in 2023 and is projected to incur an additional 6.7 percent growth rate between 2024 and 2032.

Increasing consumer demand for convenient, nutritious, and long-lasting food products is a key driver of this market expansion. Also, a report by the Plant-Based Foods Association (PBFA) showed a 27 percent increase in plant-based food sales in 2023, further underscoring this trend.

These first three Roastables kits are rolling out in the marketplace now and the company is already in development of the next items in its new Roastables line featuring other premium vegetable products grown exclusively by Ocean Mist.

Stay tuned for more ANUK reports.