Starbucks Ramps Up its Produce Offerings by Jordan Okumura

<p>Is it just me, or is Starbucks' produce offerings expanding? In addition to its fresh cut fruit options and whole bananas available upon checkout, the company seems to be offering more whole fruit for the grab-and-go consumer. Starbucks is becoming a major player in the health food craze, offering a variety of nutritious, wholesome prepared dishes in a line of salads, sandwiches, and paninis that offer customers flavor and quality along with health and wellness. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>It appears that there could be more produce developments as the company's fresh concept evolves. In May this Summer, Starbucks was eagerly looking to hire a talented Produce Procurement Manager. At my local Starbucks, it is 20 feet from my car door to the fresh foods display, making it an ideal choice for the consumer looking for the marriage of convenience and health.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>As American consumers become increasingly health-conscious, more companies are jumping on board to capitalize on the trend. Starbucks Chicken &amp; Greens Caesar Salad Bowl highlights lettuce, kale, and roasted tomatoes while a Hearty Veggie &amp; Brown Rice Salad Bowl features roasted butternut squash, beets, kale, red cabbage, steamed broccoli florets and garden peas. Not a bad choice for lunch, especially if you only have a few minutes to kill.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">