What does America taste like in a bowl? Start with some Gotham Greens, then toss in specialty crops from four regions known for their signature crops, whether Michigan asparagus, North Carolina sweetpotatoes, Texas onions or Colombian avocados — to create a unique and tasty salad experience.
The Packer spoke with representatives of these specialty produce growers to learn more about trends, retail campaigns and even new ways to spice up a salad. Here's what they suggest.
Colombia Avocado Board
The Packer: What trends are you seeing in consumer demand for avocados during the spring and salad season?
Manuel Michel, managing director of the Colombia Avocado Board: Bagged avocados, specifically smaller sizes in 4- to 5-count bags, have been a growth driver for the avocado category, and petit or small avocados have contributed significantly to overall sales growth this spring. Per the most recent Hass Avocado Board reports, PLU 4046 (small sizes) accounted for 51.8% of the unit shares sold at retail. As consumers become more mindful of their spending habits, avocados continue to hold their place as a grocery list staple and the perfect complement to salads. Their versatility makes them ideal for hearty combinations like salmon and avocado kale salad and tuna avocado salads — fan favorites packed with a variety of nutrients to help meet daily dietary needs.
Asian and Latin-inspired salads are on the rise, with ingredients like sesame seeds, black beans and spicy dressings gaining popularity. Avocados From Colombia, known for their creamy texture and rich flavors, are the perfect addition to elevate any salad bowl into a delicious and satisfying experience. Springtime fruits, like citrus and strawberries also pair beautifully with avocados, creating fresh, vibrant bites in every forkful.
With Gen Z and millennials showing a growing preference for flavorful, visually appealing meals, like our avocado summer salad and avocado shrimp salad, they meet the demand for both taste and creativity. In a dynamic market, consumers continue to value the avocado, not only for its nutritional benefits, but also for its versatility across diverse salad styles.
Are there any retail campaigns for National Salad Month?
While we don't have a dedicated campaign specifically for National Salad Month, we do have a robust set of assets available through our 2025 marketing program, including bins, merchandising boxes, digital assets and more, that can be easily adapted for seasonal salad promotions. Additionally, retail promotion funding is available to support seasonal efforts, including Memorial Day and Independence Day, both which present great opportunities to highlight avocado-themed salads.
Why should consumers include avocados in salads?
Avocados From Colombia are like your most reliable friend, there when you need them and available year round. Known for their consistent freshness, premium quality and creamy texture, they elevate every salad they touch. Packed with essential nutrients like vitamins K and E, and recognized as a good source of fiber and naturally good fats, avocados are a smart, delicious choice for any balanced diet.
In just minutes, you can slice, dice or mash an avocado to suit any salad style. Whether tossed into a crispy garden mix, layered onto a hearty grain bowl, or folded into a zesty citrus salad, avocados deliver a creamy, nutrient-rich boost that turns an ordinary salad into an extraordinary meal. With their unbeatable versatility and health benefits, Avocados From Colombia aren't just a topping — they're the soul of the salad.
What do you wish consumers knew about avocados?
Avocados From Colombia are available year round, thanks to eight growing regions that support two key harvest seasons. The Traviesa season runs from March to August, with peak availability this year in May and June, while the main season stretches from September to February, peaking in December and January.
Colombian growers are deeply committed to delivering premium, high-quality avocados to meet consumer demand. With strategic access to both the Atlantic and Pacific ports, this allows for incredibly efficient shipping. Fruit can arrive in Florida in as little as three shipping days and in Philadelphia in five shipping days.
Freshness is always the priority. With nearly 80,000 workers dedicated to the Colombia hass avocado industry, every effort is made to ensure that avocados are readily available, especially during key moments during the year, like National Salad Month, so consumers can enjoy them at peak ripeness and flavor.
Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board
The Packer: What trends are you seeing in consumer demand for asparagus during the spring and salad season?
Jamie Clover Adams, executive director of the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board: Consumers are increasingly seeking out fresh Michigan asparagus to incorporate into their daily meals. There's a notable willingness to invest in locally grown produce, recognizing the dedication of over 100 Michigan farm families behind each spear.
Convenience remains a top priority. Bagged asparagus has gained popularity, offering extended shelf life and ease of preparation, making it a practical choice for busy households. Innovative packaging solutions, such as breathable bags and recipe QR codes, have enhanced consumer appeal and can boost retail sales.
Asparagus is also finding its place in a variety of salads, both classic and contemporary. From Caesar and garden salads to more adventurous combinations like asparagus nicoise salad with lemon vinaigrette, grilled asparagus Caesar salad, and potato and asparagus salad, the versatility of asparagus is being celebrated. These dishes not only highlight the vegetable's flavor but also cater to consumers' desire for fresh, nutritious and locally sourced ingredients.
With a multitude of salads to choose from, Michigan asparagus is ready to be the center of salad bowls for years to come.
Why should consumers include asparagus in salads?
Michigan asparagus is naturally delicious and packed with nutrition, offering 52% of the daily value for vitamin K, 10% to 15% for vitamin A, along with folate, iron and thiamin. These nutritional benefits make it a standout ingredient in a wide variety of salad combinations. As health becomes a growing priority, having the right vegetables to spark satisfaction in every bite makes mealtime something to look forward to.
In a world where consumers crave new eating experiences, asparagus rises to the occasion, elevating everything from bean salads to kimchi-inspired creations and protein-rich bowls into fresh culinary adventures. Beyond its health benefits, asparagus is incredibly versatile: It can be boiled, steamed, blanched, microwaved, roasted, grilled, sautéed or air-fried. These cooking methods open up endless possibilities for experimenting with salads that can become staples in any weekly menu rotation.
What do you wish consumers knew about asparagus?
Michigan asparagus has a short but special season. From Mother's Day through early July, it's available on shelves across stores in the Midwest. With just six to eight weeks of peak availability each year, consumers can find it at farmers markets and local retailers for only a limited time.
Because it's grown locally, Michigan asparagus typically reaches store shelves just one to four days after harvest, compared to 10 to 20 days for imported product. That freshness makes a difference in taste and nutrition. It's also a more sustainable option. During the season, Michigan farmers rely on rainfall rather than irrigation, producing a crop that aligns with consumer values around environmental stewardship and locally sourced food.
North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
The Packer: What trends are you seeing in consumer demand for sweetpotatoes during the spring and salad season?
Michelle Grainger, executive director of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission: From the field to tables nationwide, North Carolina is proud to produce sweetpotatoes, a vegetable rooted in nutrients and flavor. Consumers feel a strong connection to the crop and are proud to buy U.S.-grown products that are part of creating memories in the kitchen. Currently, shoppers are only adding a few sweetpotatoes into the cart. They recognize the importance of adding locally grown products to their salad bowls while staying within their means.
In online conversations, sweetpotatoes have seen a flavor transformation. Influencers are exploring different types of salad bowls, and global flavor fusions are inspiring innovation and creativity. There are Caribbean and Mediterranean dishes that include red bell peppers and cilantro, topped with homemade dressings. Health is a priority noted by Greek yogurt replacing mayonnaise for added protein and fat.
Fan favorites include our sweetpotato wedge with parsley salad, Sassools sweetpotato salad and the sweetpotato bacon salad — all of which incorporate different ways to cook sweetpotatoes from roasting to grilling. Each recipe caters to healthy eaters looking to diversify their meal prepping and put the spotlight on a superfood beloved by millions.
Why should consumers include sweetpotatoes in salads?
North Carolina sweetpotatoes are a vibrant and versatile addition to any salad — offering both flavor and nutrition. We encourage consumers to embrace them not just as a side dish or a comfort food, but as a fresh and health-forward ingredient that elevates everyday meals like salads.
They are packed with essential nutrients giving you energy to start the morning on a high note. They are an excellent source of vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that supports eye health and immune function. Additionally, they feature vitamin C, fiber, potassium and complex carbohydrates, making them a smart choice for digestion.
The natural sweetness and satisfying textures complement both leafy greens and grain-based salads. From roasting to grilling — or enjoying them lightly steamed — there is no doubt sweetpotatoes are meant to be part of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Families can get creative in the kitchen, adding arugula, kale, quinoa, black beans, goat cheese, cranberries and citrus vinaigrettes to bowls everyone can enjoy.
What do you wish consumers knew about sweetpotatoes?
North Carolina sweetpotatoes are available year round — perfect for any reason, any season. As the No. 1 producer, we take great pride in supplying 60% of product nationwide. With around 300 growers responsible for 72,000 acres, quality remains of the highest priority.
The Orange Covington is the main variety known for its orange flesh, smooth and rose-colored skin. Developed by North Carolina State University, this beauty is found in most stores nationwide.
Not only are sweetpotatoes abundant and found in just about any shop and farmers market, but they also have a long shelf life (up to four weeks if stored properly in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, kept away from heat sources). This is an advantage over similar products as consumers want vegetables that can last throughout the week.
TX1015 Sweet Onions
The Packer: What trends are you seeing in consumer demand for onions during the spring and salad season?
Dante Galeazzi, president of the Texas International Produce Association and managing director of the South Texas Onion Committee: Consumers are buying a mix of bag and bulk product to meet their needs. For small gatherings, 2-pound and 3-pound bags are perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to every bite. With inflation still a concern, consumers are being more mindful of their budgets — typically adding just one to two TX1015 Sweet Onions to their carts on average.
Spring is a season full of celebrations — graduations, birthdays, Cinco De Mayo and Mother's Day all call for fresh, flavorful meals, and TX1015 Sweet Onions are the perfect addition to any plate. Favorite recipes, including Greek cucumber onion salad, green goddess salad and watermelon onion salad, highlight the vibrant mix of fruit and vegetable combinations that have been trending over the past few months.
Warm salads have seen a resurgence. Unique onion combinations that are either caramelized or roasted add a crunchy kick and depth to salad bowls. Raw and thinly cut onions continue to find their way into simple and fresh classics. Dressings, with onion at the center, feature savory and bold flavors — a delightful complement to a side salad.
Overall, shoppers are eager to put a local twist on salads that highlight regional ingredients, reflect seasonal availability, and showcase the flavors of homegrown produce. From TX1015 onions grown nearby to artisan cheeses, heritage grains and native greens, the desire to celebrate locality is shaping the way people build and enjoy their salads.
Why should consumers include onions in salads?
A healthy lifestyle starts with adding TX1015 Sweet Onions in every salad combination imaginable. As the only domestic sweet onion of the season — and tear free — there is a special connection knowing that each purchase supports hardworking growers across the Rio Grande Valley and Uvalde/Wintergarden regions.
While the unbeatable flavor speaks for itself, the deeper story lies in the hands that make it possible. With 22 authorized shippers and over 6,000 acres in production, our growers are committed to delivering a high-quality product that exceeds consumers' expectations. Through their efforts to achieve peak freshness and sweetness, shoppers can feel confident in creating salad bowls that are as nutritious as they are delicious.
From a health perspective, the TX1015 Sweet Onion includes vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and fiber. The mildness and low pungency are an advantage for people who experience stomach issues and are looking for an onion that meets their dietary needs.
Furthermore, TX1015's are versatile and make celebration moments to look forward to. Whether it's adding them raw, grilled, caramelized, roasted or sautéed, there are many ways to incorporate onions into the weekly rotation and never get tired of them. Leafy greens need a companion that can be charred, crispy or tender. Our state vegetable has plenty of layers to make salads exciting, flavorful and anything but boring. From backyard barbecues to weeknight dinners, TX1015s bring a sweet, mellow bite that elevates every forkful.
What do you wish consumers knew about onions?
Growers start planting in September and usually wrap by Oct. 15 — which is how Texas 1015s got their name, a reference to the recommended planting date. Just last year, STOC worked with the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce to officially proclaim that day as “TX1015 Sweet Onion Day” encouraging the whole community to celebrate.
The TX1015 Sweet Onion season starts around March (typically around Saint Patrick's Day) and ends around mid-July. There are two growing regions, including the Rio Grande Valley and Wintergarden regions. With 22 authorized shippers across 35 counties, both areas work together to provide the crop all season long.
Even if you buy TX1015's today, you can store them up to two-to-three months. Just store them in a cool dry place with good air circulation. Get a pair of clean pantyhose, put onions in each leg and tie a knot above the onion. Keep adding onions until each leg is full. As you need onions, simply cut the sections you require for your recipe.
Gotham Greens
Gotham Greens has partnered with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind “Sesame Street,” to encourage families to eat more plants and learn about cooking in fun, convenient and memorable ways, according to a news release.
The six-month limited-edition products and marketing campaign bring beloved “Sesame Street” characters to meals as both ingredients and inspiration to help little chefs discover the joy of cooking (and eating) together. The collaboration aims to inspire kids and adults alike to embrace eating their greens by incorporating fresh greenhouse-grown leafy greens from Gotham Greens into delicious, flavorful meals and snacks, the release said.
The limited-edition packaging now appears on four Gotham Greens lettuce varieties available in grocery stores nationwide: Cookie Monster crunch lettuce featuring Cookie Monster, crispy green leaf lettuce featuring Elmo, butterhead lettuce featuring Oscar the Grouch and romaine lettuce featuring Big Bird. The products can be found nationwide at Whole Foods Market, The Kroger Co., Sprouts Farmers Market, Jewel-Osco, The Fresh Market, Publix, FreshDirect, Harris Teeter, AmazonFresh and more.
“Getting kids curious about food and cooking isn't just about keeping them busy — it's about opening a world of flavors, textures and experiences that will stick with them long after the dishes are done,” said Julie Knowles, director of marketing for Gotham Greens. “By combining nostalgic elements with contemporary visual cues, the campaign aims to resonate with multiple generations of fans to deliver fun, personality-driven messages that attract new shoppers and encourage consumers to eat more greens.”
Gotham Greens says it will bring the campaign to life across digital channels, social media, shopper marketing, influencer and field marketing, and public relations with giveaways, recipes, downloadable activity books, gardening and planting guides and more.
The greenhouse grower also says it will host sweepstakes giveaways on its social media channels with prizes focused on experiences to help enrich lives. For complete sweepstakes rules and entry details, visit gothamgreens.com/sesamestreet.