Lakeside Organic Gardens' Brian Peixoto Offers Exclusive Insights on Tight Lettuce Market
WATSONVILLE, CA - The color green’s symbolism is vast, as it represents life, nature, prosperity, progress—the list goes on. As a trade news writer, a mere glimpse of the color leaves me with the image of the bountiful lettuce displays that bring life to the produce department. Exploring what is currently a tight lettuce market, I got in touch with Lakeside Organic Gardens Sales Manager Brian Peixoto, who discusses how to harness the category to bring in even more green this season.
“Our quality is great, and we are seeing higher demand due to other grower/shippers being out,” Brian says, giving me an exclusive look at the grower’s lettuce production. “We are currently seeing the standard issues with weather, as it is now getting cooler and the crops aren't growing as quickly, but overall it hasn't affected us as much as others."
Lakeside Organic Gardens is now in the thick of its leaf program and is harvesting red and green leaf, Romaine, red and green butter lettuce, as well as Escarole and Frisee. In addition to these consumer-favorite varieties, the supplier is also reporting a steady supply of Iceberg lettuce.
Heightened demand for high-quality lettuce in the retail sector, in addition to supply chain challenges hindering some growers, has led to a tight lettuce market. As demand continues to rise, the Lakeside Organic Gardens team is doing all they can to keep their loyal leaf customers supplied with several beloved varieties to maximize sales in the produce department.
“Retailers can help drive foot traffic by merchandising full lines, such as ours, to showcase color, freshness, and texture,” Brian explains. “The more visually appealing a display is, the more likely consumers are to purchase those products. Building an eye-catching display that features each of our varieties is a great way to boost sales. When your current supplier falls down, we're there to pick you up.”
Demand is only continuing to rise, and Lakeside Organic Gardens may be just the partner you need to continue capturing shopper dollars in the lettuce category.
