Iceberg prices cool, Romaine heats up
As the lettuce harvest season shifts to Yuma, AZ, iceberg supplies have begun to stabilize and prices are falling off recent peaks. However, Romaine prices have continued to climb as perhaps growers underestimated demand for the popular leafy green.
Iceberg lettuce shipping point prices are down 10 percent in the past week but still roughly double the 10-year average for this time of year, when growing seasons transition from Salinas Valley, CA, to Yuma. Romaine prices are up about 70 percent since Oct. 18 and 25 percent above average. Above-average lettuce prices are expected into mid-December.
According to Gro Intelligence, lettuce retail prices have shown greater stability than shipping point prices, as produce retailers and foodservice companies seem to be absorbing seasonal price variations.
