Today’s consumers continue to express strong interest in cooking with fresh vegetables, but increasingly busy schedules often make that goal difficult to achieve. Between work demands, school activities, commutes and packed family calendars, many consumers are seeking meal solutions that deliver freshness, flavor and nutrition — without requiring time-consuming prep.

Recognizing this shift in consumer behavior, Ocean Mist Farms continues to expand its portfolio of value-added vegetable innovations designed to help simplify mealtimes while maintaining the quality standards the company has built over more than a century of family farming.

By handling the washing, trimming, chopping and even seasoning selection in advance, Ocean Mist’s growing line of value-added products helps remove one of the biggest barriers consumers face when cooking fresh produce — time.

“We understand the reality families face and the need for options that deliver on all fronts — fresh, nutritious, flavorful and fast,” said Lori Bigras, communications manager with Ocean Mist Farms.

Among the products generating strong retailer interest are the company’s Roastables oven-ready vegetable kits and its recently introduced Heartichokes line — a first-to-market innovation featuring trimmed and quartered tender artichokes designed to make the iconic vegetable easier and more approachable for everyday meals.

Ocean Mist’s Roastables line continues to expand, now featuring seven SKUs built around washed-and-trimmed vegetables including halved Brussels sprouts, broccoli florets and cauliflower florets. Each kit includes a chef-crafted seasoning packet and crispy topping designed to deliver bold flavor with minimal effort and cook times of 15–20 minutes.

“Convenience alone isn’t enough,” Bigras said. “Flavor and freshness must lead. Consumers want products that save time, but they also expect great taste and premium-quality vegetables.”

While artichokes have long been viewed by some consumers as intimidating or time-consuming to prepare, Heartichokes were developed to remove those barriers. Available in Lemon Butter, Savory Parm and Unseasoned varieties, these versatile products allow consumers to easily sauté, roast, air fry, microwave or grill artichokes right out of the package. Fresh, flavorful, nutrient-rich, and ready in 20 minutes, Heartichokes help transform artichokes from a special-occasion item into an exciting everyday option.

“Our new Heartichokes promise less prep and more possibilities,” said Jeff Hutterer, director of value-added sales. “With the equivalent of up to five artichokes in each package, Heartichokes deliver both convenience and value. A true first-of-its-kind item in the marketplace, the line launched to strong anticipation and excitement earlier this year.”

Ocean Mist Farms has expanded its value-added portfolio with innovations designed around how consumers live and cook today, understanding shoppers are looking for healthy food options that deliver convenience, versatility and great flavor without compromising on quality.

“For retailers, products like Roastables and Heartichokes also represent an opportunity to capture growing interest within the value-added produce category in their stores,” Hutterer said. “As shoppers continue looking for easier ways to prepare fresh, nutritious and minimally processed foods at home, convenient vegetable solutions are helping drive engagement and incremental sales in the produce department.”

Backed by more than 100 years of farming expertise, Ocean Mist Farms continues to focus on innovations that help bring premium fresh vegetables from the fields to family dinner tables — no matter how busy the day may be.