French Lambs lettuce producers should take responsibility for the UK’s annual summer shortage of the product, according to one importer.
Speaking at a seminar for French salads producers organised by UbiFrance, the French embassy’s commercial agency, this week, Nick Green of Florette said it was “surprising and disappointing” that Nantes suppliers were not doing anything to diversify out of their region in order to sustain supplies during difficult summer months.
He suggested they expand their production to other areas in France or Europe, or join forces with other growing regions.
But, according to grower/exporter Bernard Géry, all regions, including Germany and the UK, experience the same setbacks with Lambs lettuce owing to the difficulty of growing it.
“We are responsible for 80-85 per cent of a very narrow margin,” he said.
“The problem is it is a winter salad and nature doesn’t help us out. We have been trying lots of techniques, but if we have a warm spring, plastic is of no use and if it is very wet, the Lambs Lettuce just drowns.
“California has been developing its production but it is so difficult that large producers are reducing Lambs lettuce and going for spinach.”
Nigel Harris, md of foodservice company Fresh Direct warned French suppliers that not having year-round supply would significantly count against them in what is a very competitive market.
But he urged suppliers to play their part in changing his customers’ attitudes.
He said: “Let’s go back to seasons and not try and sell [Lambs lettuce] when it’s difficult.
“Let’s be open about the problems and make sure we understand them. It is only a problem when you over-promise and under-deliver.”
