Iceberg lettuce supply is running well below demand, pushing open-market prices sharply higher. According to Markon VP of Operations Mark Shaw, the imbalance is significant enough that comparisons are being drawn to the dramatic November 2022 spike — though current prices haven't reached that extreme level yet.
The tightness is being driven by production lagging behind what the market needs, with no immediate correction in sight. Shaw's outlook suggests the situation will persist through at least the third week of June before supply catches up.
For buyers and category managers, this is a window to lock in contracted volume where possible and flag the pricing pressure to retail partners early. Watch for any updates out of the Salinas transition, as that region's progress will be the key variable in how quickly relief arrives.