FRESH-CUT FRUIT

The Vegetable Business

The early 80's saw the advent of the fresh-cut produce industry. Large retail chains like Burger King and McDonalds started preparing and packaging ready-to-eat salads. Like items entered the supermarkets in 1989. With the trend toward convenience and healthier eating, prepared salads have become one of the fastest growing categories.

With a modern 75,000 square foot plant outside Harrisburg PA, capable of processing four million pounds of raw product each month, Verdelli Farms stands as one of the leaders for the fresh-cut vegetable industry. Their product line includes iceberg lettuce, escarole, red cabbage, radicchio, spinach and endive. They market an extensive range of salad mixes including All-American, Caesar, European, Fancy, Italian, Oriental, Taco, Three-Leaf and Spinach salads. As a result of innovative and functional packaging, Verdelli products have a 14 day shelf-life.

In addition to salads, Verdelli was among the first produce companies to cut and package broccoli florets, carrot sticks and corn on the cob. They also distribute fresh herbs including basil, mint, rosemary, oregano and thyme. In total, the company markets over 120 vegetable items to retail and institutional markets.

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