Lettuce markets remain depressed with heavy supplies and weak demand

Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 released this updated on green leaf, iceberg, and romaine lettuce May 8, 2025:

Green leaf and iceberg markets remain depressed amid abundant supplies and weak demand. Romaine prices are slowly rising as quality issues are more prevalent following recent humid, windy weather.

Markon First Crop (MFC) Premium Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine are available; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted sporadically due to low weights.

Green leaf and iceberg quality are very good; mildew, fringe burn, and sun scalding are being avoided or trimmed at harvest.

Romaine quality has been impacted by high temperatures and humid weather, followed by windy days; fog burn, internal burn, and fringe burn are reducing harvestable supplies.

Expect fairly steady green leaf and iceberg markets through May; Romaine will continue inching up in the near term.

In a May 6 report, the company said Markon First Crop (MFC) Romaine is limited in California’s Salinas Valley; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as needed.

Markon inspectors are currently reporting an abrupt shift in romaine quality over the past two to four days. Last week the Salinas Valley region experienced a heavy marine layer that quickly gave way to clear skies and warm afternoons. These conditions caused the development of fog burn in many crops. Strong winds and elevated humidity were also recorded, causing fringe burn and sporadic mildew pressure.

Commodity and value-added supplies are expected to exhibit some of the above-mentioned challenges for the next several weeks, possibly longer. Some iceberg and green leaf supplies are experiencing these challenges, but these commodities are easier to manage than Romaine.