Industry sources say lettuce demand has become more stable in recent weeks, a notable shift after the Cyclospora outbreak hammered the category. Valerie Terrault of Gen V, a hydroponic lettuce and vegetable grower, described the situation as settling down compared to the peak of the crisis.
The Cyclospora outbreak drove consumers away from all lettuce — not just implicated product — and prompted Sysco to reroute iceberg sourcing away from Mexico. Growers in some regions were plowing under unsold crops. Any stabilization in demand is significant for a category that took one of the hardest hits of the summer.
This is a situation worth continuing to watch — consumer confidence in the category is rebuilding, but the speed of recovery at retail and foodservice will vary. Buyers reengaging with lettuce programs should monitor sell-through closely before committing to volume increases.