Mache nantaise

The new Mâche Nantaise (lamb's lettuce from Nantes) campaign is set to be launched next week with the annual Foulées du Tram running race between Thouare-sur-Loire and Nantes city centre in western France.

Around forty lamb's lettuce workers from Nantes, whether they be involved in production, quality, sales or seeds, will be taking part in the 15km race, according to the AOP for lamb's lettuce in Pays de la Loire.

The AOP added that this year's campaign would focus on the excellent taste of Mâche Nantaise, which holds PGI (protected geographical indication) status, as well as its naturalness, freshness and uniqueness.

Approximately 31,000 tonnes of lamb's lettuce was produced in Nantes in 2010/11, accounting for 90 per cent of domestic production and 50 per cent of European volumes.