New packaging offers consumers more information on product origin

Kroger’s new line of fresh salads includes new technology on the packaging that enables customers to learn where the produce was grown. It is part of the grocery retailer’s “Quality You Can Trace” program. Kroger Co. is working with HarvestMark to give customers an easy way to learn more about where the produce used in Kroger salads was grown. Fresh Selections by Kroger are pre-washed ready-to-serve packaged salads available in produce departments in Kroger’s family of stores. They are priced from $.99 to $4.99, depending on the variety and the market. Fresh Selections are the only salads with HarvestMark technology currently sold in the U.S. Each bag carries a 16-digit code shoppers can enter at HarvestMark.com to learn more about the salad’s origin, packing location, ingredients, date and time the product was packed. Customers can also offer their feedback on the product. “Food safety is a top priority at Kroger,” said Joe Grieshaber, group vice president of the company’s meat, seafood, deli and produce departments. “Our partnership with HarvestMark makes it easy for customers who are interested to learn more about the food they purchase for themselves and their families.” Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer, operates 2,470 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under 2 dozen local banner names.