As supermarket competition heats up, retailers are taking steps to differentiate themselves and their fresh departments. We can take a tip from a range of grocers on both domestic and, in this case, international levels.

Value added is everywhere. People are innovating all across the globe. Check out this outdoor market in the Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy, Local vendors are showing off gorgeous local fruits and vegetables and making their own value-added produce offerings.

Retailers like Whole Foods, Nugget and Longo's have taken to this more artisan approach to presenting fresh produce. Ask these guys what makes for a great presentation and they would probably tell you that not only do value-added offerings have to be functional and have the correct varieties in them but they also need to be attractively presented. It's not good enough just to have the right product but the right presentation. The price points for these prepared foods are higher than their category counterparts but make for great impulse buys for foodies and the on-the-go consumer. Markets are bringing this effort to the masses in all locations.

In a culture that relies on simplicity and the high quality of ingredients, entrepreneurs have found a way to make cooking easier while adding value.