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Dole introduces Salad Companions just-add-lettuce solutions

Dole Salad Companions, a line of natural, just-add-lettuce salad solutions providing a total-recipe option in an all-in-one-package, gives consumers everything they need to turn their favorite, freshest greens into an exciting flavorful salad.DOLE PestoAsiago SaladCompa

Each Salad Companions recipe includes a variety of flavorful toppings — including dried cranberries, crispy apple chips, roasted nuts and other ingredients — with an original, perfectly paired dressing. Consumers simply toss Salad Companions with their favorite greens, head lettuces or premixed salad blends to create a delicious salad in minutes.  

Four new Dole Salad Companions launched in convenient tray packaging in June, and national supermarket distribution is expected by October 2014.

  • Dole Salad Companions Apple Walnut Harvest:  Crispy apple chips, dried cranberries, walnuts, aged white cheddar cheese and Dole's own Apple Cider Dijon Vinaigrette dressing. Pairs best with Dole's popular Spring Mix or similar blends.
  • Dole Salad Companions Pesto Asiago:  Pine nuts, sun-dried tomato croutons, shredded Asiago and Mozzarella cheeses, and Dole's own Signature Caesar dressing. Pairs best with butter lettuces or mild, sweet greens like Dole's Butter Bliss blend.
  • Dole Salad Companions Pecan Honey Dijon:  Dried cranberries, roasted pecans sweet cornbread croutons, aged white cheddar and Dole's own Honey Dijon dressing. Pairs best with Dole's Field Greens or similar blend.
  • Dole Salad Companions Signature Caesar:  Parmesan, Romano, Asiago and Mozzarella cheeses, toasted garlic croutons and Dole's own Signature Caesar dressing. Pairs best with Romaine lettuce or a Dole Salad blend like Hearts of Romaine or Leafy Romaine.

The all-in-one nature of Salad Companions, especially the addition of the dressings, makes them easy for consumers to try new salad recipes with perfectly paired ingredients without having to commit to an entire bottle of dressing or other bulk ingredients.  "We made it easier to enjoy new salad combinations," Elsa Pong, Dole Fresh Vegetables director of marketing, new products and innovation, said in a press release. "Thanks to Salad Companions, consumers can easily pair them with their favorite greens for a flavor adventure every day of the week."

Salad Companions will be available in the refrigerated dressing section or alongside Dole's existing salad kits and blends for the suggested retail price of $3.79.

Dole will support Salad Companions with on-pack coupons at shelf; Web, social media and shopper marketing programs; and exclusive Salad Circle content. PR outreach will include product sampling to generate product awareness and elicit trial and reviews from food media, culinary and fitness bloggers, registered dieticians, supermarket registered dieticians, chefs and other salad ambassadors.

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