USA
March 15, 2019
Consistency and convenience
EazyLeaf, Enza Zaden’s one-cut lettuce that’s traditionally a foodservice item, is expanding to include premium grocers, where discerning consumers are delighted by its look, taste, crunch and density.
Studies show that a lack of texture can be a major source of disappointment for the consumers. The Enza Zaden breeding team has worked relentlessly over the past 7 years to improve the consumer sensory experience and today offers 16 EazyLeaf™ varieties.
How it started:
Eazyleaf began by connecting with food service companies and understanding their challenges and demand for consistency and convenience. With this feedback, the breeding team developed a product that met all needs. Eazyleaf offers:
- Consistency in the field through improved germination levels
- A steady constant supply throughout the chain thanks to improved shelf life.More loft in the bags and in the plate.
- Growers have the convenience of whole head production, and the marketing flexibility of loose leaf or whole head sales.
- A narrow leaf attachment and high leaf count – giving it the “one cut” benefit it’s known for. With one cut from the base in the field or the pack shed, uniform leaves separate into individual pieces ready for a salad mix. No removal of cores is necessary.
- Varieties can also be sold as mini-heads or held in the cooler and cut before distribution for longer shelf life.
While Eazyleaf gains momentum with the food service industry, it is likely that retail will soon tap into this new marketing opportunity.
“To add value for our growers, we leverage our knowledgeable local sales team, our local production facility, and our international infrastructure,” said Nick Barnes, Direct Sales Manager, Enza Zaden.
EazyLeaf seed is processed and distributed through Enza Zaden’s 43,000 sq. ft Salinas Valley facility. Superior seed production and distinct care taken throughout grading, priming and coating ensures a consistently fresh and available local inventory, while breeding stations in northwest France are responsible for the development of new EazyLeaf varieties.
More than 100 EazyLeaf varieties are currently in development - stay tuned for new varieties to be released annually.
Topics
Species
