Your grocer's produce section is becoming a meal solutions department. Chiquita Brands International Inc. said its Fresh Express subsidiary in Salinas, Calif., introduced a line of value-added salad kits to address rising demand for "salad meals."

"Continuously developing new, fresh and flavorful salad meals for our consumers is at the core of our mission at Fresh Express," said Brian Kocher, president of Chiquita North America.  "Whether it's a classic Caesar or our new delicately sweet flavored, limited time only Strawberry Fields Kit, Fresh Express is providing consumers what they want most – fresh, delicious salad meals ready in seconds."

Now available nationwide, six new Fresh Express Kits join several other popular offerings, said Chiquita.  New Kits include House Ranch, House Italian and -- for consumers seeking to add a healthy source of protein to their salad meal -- Chicken Caesar and Chicken Taco Kits.

Fresh Express said it also kicked off a "specialty salad program" with two new, limited-time only kits: Strawberry Fields, available now on store shelves; and beginning in January 2011, Pear Gorgonzola.  Two additional limited time only salad Kits will debut next year as well.

Officials say the new salad kits, along with classic kit options, now feature package designs that are easier to read and that draw more attention in the grocery aisle.