Green leaf lettuce and tomatoes play starring role in McDonald's new sandwich line
Green leaf lettuce and tomatoes play starring role in McDonald's new sandwich line
When launching its new line of premium chicken sandwiches in early August, fast-food restaurant giant McDonald's Corp. made sure that consumers will be getting high-quality produce in every bite.
The new sandwich line, which includes the Classic, Ranch BLT and Club, all contain tomatoes and green leaf lettuce, which the company has promoted in recent press releases.
According to a release, suppliers and growers have taken steps to ensure that their items meet McDonalds stringent standards. In the case of green leaf lettuce, for example, plants are harvested as much as seven to 10 days earlier than normal.
In some cases, harvest takes place in the very early hours of the morning, before light, to minimize insect pressure and optimize leaf firmness.
Martin Flewell, product manager for Taylor Farms, the supplier of approximately 30 percent of McDonalds green leaf lettuce, said, "McDonalds has very specific procurement requirements. It took a lot of work to ensure the varieties from our growers would meet the flavor, color, texture and even crunch specifications expected by McDonalds."
We began looking at different varieties and characteristics of green leaf lettuce a year ago in preparation for the introduction of the premium chicken sandwiches, Mitch Smith, director of quality systems for McDonalds USA, said in a release. McDonalds specifications require that our green leaf lettuce suppliers procure a plant that has a dark green color with limited rib at the base of the leaf, nice frill at the top and a hint of sweetness.
Though McDonalds quality requirements put added pressure on growers, industry reactions have been favorable. McDonalds typically leads the charge on standards, Mr. Flewell said. But our growers are very excited that McDonalds is encouraging a market trend and providing an opportunity for industry growth.
Asked about the companys recent focus on health, Heather Oldani, senior manager of U.S. communications for Oak Brook, IL-based McDonalds, told The Produce News, Essentially, its all about our customers. Were in constant communication with them and we try to give them what they want.
The new sandwich line, which includes the Classic, Ranch BLT and Club, all contain tomatoes and green leaf lettuce, which the company has promoted in recent press releases.
According to a release, suppliers and growers have taken steps to ensure that their items meet McDonalds stringent standards. In the case of green leaf lettuce, for example, plants are harvested as much as seven to 10 days earlier than normal.
In some cases, harvest takes place in the very early hours of the morning, before light, to minimize insect pressure and optimize leaf firmness.
Martin Flewell, product manager for Taylor Farms, the supplier of approximately 30 percent of McDonalds green leaf lettuce, said, "McDonalds has very specific procurement requirements. It took a lot of work to ensure the varieties from our growers would meet the flavor, color, texture and even crunch specifications expected by McDonalds."
We began looking at different varieties and characteristics of green leaf lettuce a year ago in preparation for the introduction of the premium chicken sandwiches, Mitch Smith, director of quality systems for McDonalds USA, said in a release. McDonalds specifications require that our green leaf lettuce suppliers procure a plant that has a dark green color with limited rib at the base of the leaf, nice frill at the top and a hint of sweetness.
Though McDonalds quality requirements put added pressure on growers, industry reactions have been favorable. McDonalds typically leads the charge on standards, Mr. Flewell said. But our growers are very excited that McDonalds is encouraging a market trend and providing an opportunity for industry growth.
Asked about the companys recent focus on health, Heather Oldani, senior manager of U.S. communications for Oak Brook, IL-based McDonalds, told The Produce News, Essentially, its all about our customers. Were in constant communication with them and we try to give them what they want.
