07 February 2025, Netherlands: Snack Lettuce enables retailers across Europe to offer consumers something exciting in the lettuce category. It not only forms a crunchy basis for snacks, but is also available all year round on the continent. This is thanks to close collaboration within the expanding network of growers in Spain, Italy, Germany and Ireland. Four of them explain what makes both the partnership and Snack Lettuce so successful.
“Sales will continue to grow”
Beatriz García, Key Account Manager at Spanish Fruca Marketing, is a big fan of Snack Lettuce. “The incredible sweet taste, the crunchy and fresh texture, and the long shelf life make it perfect for snacks and salads in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. We supply it to many retailers in Germany, the UK and Scandinavia. I’m sure that sales will continue to grow, because the demand is increasing every year.”
“Collaboration with other growers enables us to meet retailers’ needs by offering a year-round product. We also share our experiences and learn from each other,” she continues.
She is equally enthusiastic about working with Rijk Zwaan. “We walk this path together, making a joint effort to develop and position this lettuce in stores, as we all believe in the potential of Snack Lettuce.”
“Together we can improve in all areas”
“Snack Lettuce brings choice and excitement to a very steady category. It opens up opportunities for new eating occasions, and addresses emerging dietary trends and needs such as a low-carb diet,” states Stephen McCormack, Managing Director at McCormack Family Farms in Ireland.
“It’s not only about the unique boat-shaped leaves. Additionally, the convenience of easily separated leaves, their crunchy texture, sweet flavour profile and juiciness really set it apart from other products in this category.”
Stephen is optimistic about the market opportunities: “We have partnered with our long-term customer Dunnes Stores to launch Snack Lettuce in the Irish market. As of the next growing season, we will also supply two other major supermarket chains.”
For him, the growers’ network is a great chance to exchange knowledge. “We can learn from each other and improve in areas like sales opportunities, product quality and growing methods. Together with Rijk Zwaan, we are able to work on ideas, innovations and new, improved varieties.”
“Consumers can enjoy the product throughout the whole year”
“The texture, flavour and freshness of Snack Lettuce are simply amazing,” comments Jose Carlos Gomez, COO and Commercial Manager at the Spanish company El Dulze. He highly values the cooperation with colleagues and chain partners. “It gives us the security to negotiate year-round schedules with our customers, making sure consumers can enjoy the product throughout the whole year. As a result, we supply Dunnes Stores, El Corte Inglés, Spinneys, Alcampo, Rohlik Group and Spar Hungry.”
In the future, he believes this type of collaboration – both within the growers’ network and with Rijk Zwaan – can work for concepts beyond Snack Lettuce. “It can help introduce new products, new ideas, new packaging and – most importantly – new consumption experiences.”
“Snack Lettuce brings a breath of fresh air”
Andrea Pignato, Sales Manager at the Italian company Fellini Patrizio Srl, regards Snack Lettuce as a versatile product that stands out from other lettuces. “It brings a breath of fresh air,” he says poetically.
The advantages of collaborating with other growers are quite clear. “We offer reliability and product quality. Moreover, we can guarantee a very long production period, so we never lack sufficient products for our retail customers in Italy and abroad,” Andrea points out.
Visiting Fruit Logistica helps him further reinforce the bonds with partners. “We want to maintain strong ties with our existing customers and suppliers, of course, and also try to build new relationships.”
At Rijk Zwaan, we aim to create a sustainable, positive impact for the world’s food supply by caring for innovation, caring for our partners, and caring for your growth. Visit our team in Hall 1.2, D-13 at Fruit Logistica 2025 to explore how our commitment to care can help you thrive in today’s ever-evolving market. You can also arrange a guided tour of the Retail Centre in Berlin – our company’s very own retail experience facility.
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