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A perfect lettuce leaf for every kind of sandwich

Nowadays, every fast-food chain and company canteen has a choice of salads on the menu, often with tempting names such as Veggie Delight, Thai Chicken Salad or Crunchy Caesar Salad. One indispensable ingredient is cos lettuce or iceberg lettuce. A unique innovation that ensures fresh-cut lettuce stays fresh for longer has recently opened up new opportunities for the foodservice market.

With effect from 01 July 2019 the International Bremia Evaluation Board Europe (IBEB-EU) has named a new official race of downy mildew in lettuce, Bl:36EU.

Lettuce is being grown increasingly cleanly and more sustainably worldwide thanks to hydroponics. This innovative production method is still gaining ground, explains Market Specialist Peter Sonneveld from vegetable breeding company Rijk Zwaan.

Chain partners have reacted enthusiastically to the new Sweet Palermo colours. Orange and chocolate-coloured variants are now available in addition to red and yellow ones within Rijk Zwaan’s brand of sweet pointed peppers.

Why vegetable breeder Rijk Zwaan is working to add more colour to fresh produce displays

Since opening in 2017, the Rijk Zwaan Retail Center in Berlin has facilitated inspiration sessions and research programmes with chain partners from all over the world. “We always leave with a head full of new ideas,” says Lenta’s Flip Gitmans.

Rijk Zwaan focusing on ‘Innovating for sustainability’ at Fruit Logistica

Snack Lettuce © wins Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award at Fruit Attraction

Rijk Zwaan continues to invest heavily in research and development