Produce sales in the United States have grown nearly 20 percent over the past two years. And with lettuce and potatoes making up nearly 40 percent yearly vegetable sales, Sargento has chosen to respond by introducing Salad Finishers and Potato Finishers – chef-inspired blends of Sargento natural cheeses and other premium toppings. The move into the produce category is a first for Sargento, and one likely to be well received by at-home chefs eager for new flavors and meal ideas.

A number of culinary trends have contributed to the rise in produce popularity: Consumers are more likely to buy locally grown produce in an effort to go “back to basics,” entrée salads continue to hold their own as a popular main course – and more and more Americans are viewing vegetables as a meal core, as opposed to simply a side dish. In addition, the idea of customization is on the rise among cooks who enjoy testing the culinary waters.Finishers combinations include complementary blends of Sargento natural cheeses, flame grilled marinated chicken, real smoked bacon crumbles and chef-inspired sauces. The conveniently packaged toppings come in a number of varieties that include...

Sargento Salad Finishers:

•Cheddar Chicken – Grilled chicken, Cheddar Cheese and seasoned croutons

•Cheddar Bacon – Bacon crumbles, Cheddar Cheese and ranch croutons

•Chicken Caesar – Grilled chicken, Parmesan Cheese and Caesar croutons

•Bistro Chicken – Grilled chicken, Mozzarella with sun-dried tomato and basil, and toasted almonds

•Cranberry Pecan – Mozzarella and Asiago Cheese, dried cranberries and toasted pecans

Sargento Potato Finishers:

•All American – White Cheddar sauce with chives, Cheddar Cheese and bacon crumbles

•Au Gratin – Cheddar sauce, Monterey Jack Cheese and onion-seasoned breadcrumbs Cheddar

•Broccoli – Cheddar broccoli sauce, Monterey Jack Cheese and bacon crumbles With individually packaged ingredients that allow for genuine customization, Sargento Salad and Potato Finishers are the ideal accompaniment to the produce trend – and the newest culinary accoutrement for at-home chefs everywhere.

Finishers will be available in the produce section of grocery stores nationwide beginning Summer 2008 and will be sold for the approximate retail price of $2.99 to $3.69.

Sargento Foods Inc.

Plymouth, Wis.