Great Lakes Growers owner John Bonner says demand for greenhouse-grown lettuce has remained elevated following this summer's Cyclospora outbreak linked to field-grown iceberg lettuce. Rather than the usual post-crisis reversion to familiar buying patterns, the company saw lasting conversion — its newest greenhouse expansion, one of its most technologically advanced, was already sold out on its first harvest day. Bonner attributes the stickiness to buyers experiencing firsthand the quality, consistency, and supply reliability of controlled-environment production.
The Cyclospora outbreak was only part of the story. Rising fuel costs have been pushing up the landed cost of field-grown lettuce from distant growing regions, narrowing the price premium gap that greenhouse product typically carries. Closures of other greenhouse operations have also tightened indoor lettuce availability, making remaining producers more attractive to buyers looking for dependable supply. The company grows living lettuce varieties including green and butter lettuce, arugula, baby spinach, and spring mix for both retail and foodservice.
Great Lakes Growers is already eyeing another expansion in 2027, with an 8 to 10 month build timeline. For retail and foodservice buyers managing their leafy green programs, the ongoing shift toward greenhouse product is worth tracking — particularly given the recurring pattern of field-grown lettuce safety events that Bonner describes as nearly annual.