Greater volume of Pink Rhône™ Little Gem lettuce is available just in time for the holiday season. "Since introducing this item this summer, demand exceeded all expectations, prompting us to immediately increase our plantings. Fast-forward to today, we're entering the harvest phase of those expanded plantings and are positioned to deliver greater volumes," says Matt Hiltner of Babé Farms, Inc.
"What truly sets the Rhône apart is its intense pink color, which extends all the way to the core, ranging from wine-red to light magenta," says Hiltner.
As with all Babé Farms' baby head lettuces, Pink Rhône is grown in the Santa Maria Valley. "For the past several weeks, we have been challenged by unseasonably cool weather and rain," Hiltner says. "The weather this week has been favorable, and we're optimistic about maintaining positive momentum in the weeks ahead."
Unique qualities of Pink Rhône
The item, which last week was a finalist for the Produce Business Innovation Award at the New York Produce Show, is unique to Babé Farms. Like Little Gem, it has a sweet crunch, mild buttery flavor, and glossy texture, though the appearance of Pink Rhône resembles more of a European-style lettuce. That is, petite in size with loose outer leaves and a tightly enveloped core. "What truly sets the Rhône apart is its intense pink color, which extends all the way to the core, ranging from wine-red to light magenta," says Hiltner, adding that it's available year-round and is versatile for salads in any format from chopped to whole leaf.
Pink Rhône is available year-round and is versatile for salads in any format from chopped to whole leaf.
Demand for the item is expected to stay strong. "Our marketing efforts over the summer struck a chord with our customers right away, driving interest to levels that initially outpaced supply. Now, with increased plantings coming online, we're better equipped to meet customer needs through the winter holidays and beyond," says Hiltner.
For more information:
Matt Hiltner
Babé Farms, Inc.
Tel.: +1 (805) 925-4144
[email protected]
www.babefarms