“Last Tuesday, May 17, was the first full day of sunshine in the past 30 days in the US Northeast,” says Lauren Del Rosario with Frank Donio. The weather finally seems to turn around. “As one of many commodities impacted, the lettuce market is through the roof right now,” Del Rosario adds.
Temperatures below freezing
At the end of March, the lettuce plants got transplanted from the greenhouse into the fields. The small plants had to endure a lot as temperatures were running 15-20 degrees below normal from the end of March until now basically. “Some nights, temperatures were below freezing and growth at the field level halted as a result,” Del Rosario shared.
Temperatures are finally increasing, but need to stay in the 70s for an extended period of time in order for the lettuce plants to catch up on production. Demand is currently outpacing supplies and lettuce prices record $26-$28. Del Rosario expects prices to stay at this level for another two weeks. “They won’t turn around until after June 6,” she mentioned. All lettuce varieties are in short supply, but Romaine is most affected as it is a bigger mover at the check-out stand.
“Lettuce quality has not been affected as the cool and misty weather has been good for the plants,” Del Rosario finished.
For more information:
Lauren Del Rosario
Frank Donio, Inc.
Tel: (+1) 609-561-2466