Iceberg Lettuce Shortage in Europe in the First 10 Days of March 2023

As predicted by contract deliveries in Spain, iceberg production for the first 10 days of March is expected to be 30% lower than the demand from Europe’s salad industry. The same situation is predicted for Greece. For retailers, iceberg prices for the last 2 weeks (W7 and W8) were at the highest levels of the season and consumer fatigue is evident with a significant subsequent drop in consumption. However, the supplier price is expected to drop below USD 0.96/kg during March with production expected to increase significantly by mid March, exceeding the market’s demand. The only unknown factor is the effect of rainy weather and cold nights in the first 10 days of March. The next pressure points to be monitored is the consumption increase expected before Europe’s Easter holidays at the end of March and Spring festivities in early April.