Market Minute: Lettuce showing lower market, softer demand

The current lettuce market is trending lower as demand has eased, making this an excellent time for consumers to enjoy salads. With lettuce now more promotable, shoppers can take advantage of favorable pricing and good supply.

The history of salads made from lettuce dates back as far as 4500 BC in Egypt, where they were originally prepared using a bitter weed. The practice of cultivating lettuce for salads was later adopted by the Romans and Greeks, who enjoyed it with oil and vinegar. Lettuce made its way to the Americas in the 1400s, thanks to Christopher Columbus.

Lettuce also has the distinction of being the first fresh produce Americans could buy throughout the year. Prior to this, consumers depended mainly on root vegetables such as carrots, beets and potatoes for their fresh vegetable needs.

At present, all lettuce is experiencing a slightly lower market due to reduced demand. Iceberg lettuce is seeing moderate demand with a steady market, and supplies are improving. Green leaf, red leaf, Romaine and butter leaf varieties all have steady supplies, with their markets trending slightly lower. Romaine hearts remain steady and quality across the board is good. The spring mix category is also mostly steady.

As we approach the spring season, now is an ideal time to expand your lettuce section. Support your salad offerings by keeping your tomato, cucumber and avocado displays well-stocked.

For the latest updates on supplies and promotional opportunities, be sure to stay in contact with your lettuce distributors.

This article originally ran on The Produce News.