Ireland: Speciality leafy greens becoming more popular

Lettuce is always a top seller in the summer months as the temperatures increase and people turn to 'summer food' and the BBQ's come out. Ireland is known for its changeable weather but even there it has been warm, albeit with a few showers in between!

"There is good demand for lettuce, it is one of our best sellers at the moment," explains Gianpiero Quartarone Operations Manager at Jackie Leonard & Sons. "Iceberg is always the big favourite, but oak leaf, lollorosso and endive (frisse) are also popular."

Leonards sells both Irish grown lettuce and imported, depending on the season and demand. Imports are from the UK at this time of the year.

Gianpiero expects sales to continue to improve in the coming weeks, "School holidays don't have a big influence on demand, you can lose a bit but other markets more make up for it."

Leonards is based in Dublin which is a huge tourist destination and they are kept busy supplying the hotels and restaurants throughout the summer months.

Although iceberg is the top seller, Gianpiero said there is a definite increase in demand for the speciality leafy greens.

For more information:
Gianpiero Quartarone
Jackie Leonard & Sons
Tel +353.1.873.3055
Gianpiero@jackieleonards.ie