International information company Nielsen has chosen a Dole Fresh Vegetables salad line from 3,500 consumer products for its Breakthrough Innovation Award for 2016.

The Dole Chopped Salad Kits, launched in 2013, mark the first win in the category for a produce brand, the company said in a release.

The awards are now in their eighth year.

2016 Nielsen Breakthrough Innovation Award winners satisfied three requirements: a distinctive consumer product that delivered a new value proposition to the market in 2014; a minimum of US$50 million in first-year U.S. sales; and a demonstrated ability to endure the market by achieving 90 percent of first-year sales during its second year.

“Dole is beyond honored that the DOLE Chopped Salad Kit line is one of only 92 U.S. products to receive this award since its inception in 2008 – and the first-ever winner in the produce industry,” said Dole Fresh Vegetables VP of marketing, CarrieAnn Arias.

"DOLE Chopped Salad Kits were launched in 2013 as the next wave in salad innovation: a taste-first chopped salad experience featuring layers of flavor, texture, color and crunch in every bite.

"The success of the initial line led to the introduction of two additional Chopped Salad varieties in 2015 to meet consumer demand."

She said the fact Nielsen had reviewed 20,000 U.S. product lines over eight years and found Dole's salad kits demonstrated innovation and success by improving the country's daily eating habits was extremely fulfilling for everyone at the company.

The seven kits include varieties such as Bacon and Bleu, BBQ Ranch, Chipotle & Cheddar, Pomegranate, Poppy Seed, Sesame Asian and Sunflower Crunch, and are part of a larger line of packaged salad blends and kits.

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