Growth in the prepared salads sector is being driven by new packaging formats, according to one leading supplier.

Melanie Dean, marketing manager for Lasting Leaf Salads at Natures Way Foods said: “Growth has been driven by the continued development of bowls and trays within prepared salad. This area has seen double-digit growth throughout the year and is fast becoming one of the biggest sectors in the category.”

The overall salad category including whole-head produce has grown by 6.6 per cent in value year on year to the end of 2012 and the prepared sector is flourishing despite the downturn.

Dean said: “The market has continued to grow throughout this year despite the poor weather. Since the summer more shoppers have bought salad, 75 per cent of UK shoppers have bought prepared salad in the last year….We are enjoying the same growth as the rest of the market. Growth for the retailers has been driven by increased average price.”

Christmas trading was also strong for Lasting Leaf and Dean reported shoppers buying salad more often than last year and taking advantage of promotional activity available in the category.

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