ORLANDO, FL - Today’s consumer palates are more discerning and also more curious than ever before. For those companies that invest in understanding this evolving consumer plate, the treasure trove of possibilities is endless, with retailers and suppliers reaping the benefits forkful by forkful. Fresh Express is one such company bringing flavor forward in such a way, combining convenience with culinary craft to present a product line fit to fill the grocery basket: Hot or Cold Salad and Noodle Meal Kits.

“Fresh Express is excited to bring this new line to our retail partners. We conducted exhaustive qualitative and quantitative consumer research and partnered with retailers throughout the process on things like product development, packaging, and commercialization,” Fabian Pereira, Vice President of Marketing and Innovation, shares with me. “This allowed retailers to better understand how their shoppers’ needs were being fulfilled with innovative, unique meal solutions. Partnering with retailers allows a new product platform to reach different audiences, boost awareness, increase engagement, and garner trust, all of which are very important for the new Hot or Cold Kits.”

Inspired by high-end restaurants, the new Teriyaki, Asian Sweet Ginger, and Korean Sesame kits bring a blend of chilled, freshly chopped vegetables, ready-to-eat pre-cooked noodles, gourmet dressing sauce, and crispy toppings that can be eaten hot or cold for two meal options in every bag.

Providing better-for-you, relevant meal options, as well as product packaging that includes tips and tricks for how to enhance the meal—this new line has been a retail favorite since its launch. Suggest adding a favorite protein for a complete meal, cross-merchandise to increase basket size and the ring at the cash register—there are many ways to enhance this line’s already inherent value.

When I asked Fabian how these new kits reflect Fresh Express' long-term vision for innovation and remaining a market leader, he expressed that this platform builds on the company’s vision to help provide relevant, healthier meal solutions that consumers will love while also supporting its goal of working with retailers to grow the produce department and diversify available products.

“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, build strong consumer and customer relationships through excellent quality, service, category management, and world-class marketing programs,” he reflects. “These goals resonate with our consumers and shoppers—all while staying ahead of trends and adapting to changing consumer preferences. The Hot or Cold Salad and Noodle Meal Kits will create a new category that leverages global culinary cuisines with convenient meals consumers love.”

As I sit back to take in the depth of Fresh Express’ vision and strategy, Fabian adds that these initial three flavors—Teriyaki, Sweet Asian Ginger, and Korean Sesame—are the first items within the broader platform, with more new products to follow over the next few years.

“We will continue to be at the forefront of innovation and invest in building the Fresh Express brand to continue helping consumers enjoy healthier, more convenient meals,” he tells me.

If these new kits are only the beginning, I can’t wait to see what Fresh Express has planned next. And I imagine retail partners feel the innovative promise as well.