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Coles, growers think small to solve lettuce crisis

(Source: Colesgroup.com.au/news)

Offering a temporary fix to the iceberg lettuce crisis, Coles supermarkets has partnered with fresh produce growers to sell two smaller lettuces for the price of one.

Customers in southeast Queensland can now buy a twin-pack of small iceberg lettuces for $6.50.

Lettuce production has been heavily affected due to the unseasonably cold weather conditions following the floods earlier this year. Growers in the Lockyer Valley will use some of their smaller lettuce crops to ensure availability to customers.

Craig Taylor, Coles’ GM of produce, said a two-pack will offer value for money to customers and help growers make the most of their crop.

“When we spoke to the team at Rugby Farm and heard that there was a supply of lettuces in the ground that weren’t going to make it to the full size because of the cold weather, we knew we had to come up with a solution.”

Matt Hood, Lockyer Valley producer from Rugby Farm, said: “The current iceberg lettuces in the fields are small, however, the hearts are still crisp and great for eating, which is why we are doubling up to give customers two instead of one.”

He added that ongoing heavy rainfall, cold weather conditions and less sunlight meant the vegetables are not growing to their desired size.

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