We’re currently seeing significant pressure across the lettuce market, especially with iceberg and value-added items like shredded lettuce and salad mixes.
Demand continues to outpace supply industrywide, and this trend is expected to persist over the next few weeks. As a result, value-added iceberg products remain limited and elevated in cost across all processors.
What’s driving the market?
- 🥬 Iceberg Lettuce: Active market with ongoing supply shortages. Quality challenges include lighter weights, misshapen heads, and outer leaf discoloration.
- 🥗 Romaine Tightening: Slower growth in Salinas and increased demand as buyers shift away from iceberg are adding additional pressure.
- 🌱 Field Challenges: Issues like seeder in romaine and Sclerotinia in iceberg are reducing yields.
- 🌦️ Weather Impacts: Cooler temperatures and recent light rains across key growing regions (Salinas, Watsonville, Santa Maria, Oxnard) have slowed harvest and reduced production by an estimated 10–15%.
- 🏭 Processor Demand: Processors are actively sourcing from the open market to cover shortages, further tightening fresh supply.
What this means:
- Ongoing shortages and prorations on value-added iceberg products
- Continued market volatility and elevated pricing
- Limited relief expected in the short term
We are actively working to maintain supply continuity and will provide updates as conditions evolve.
If you have questions or need support navigating substitutions, please reach out to your account representative.
