RETAIL DEVELOPMENT
03/07/2005
An excerpt from “McDonald’s whole leaves could fuel lettuce sales”
By Todd Foltz, Western Editor of “The Packer”

Meanwhile, at Mills Family Farms, the big news is the company’s venture into retail with whole leaf red leaf, green leaf and romaine under the Mills Family Farms Wholeaves® label.

Whole leaf products are torn rather than cut from heads and give users nearly 100% usable product with less shrink. Mills has marketed its whole leaf products to foodservice for years. It also has shipped some private-label whole leaf products to retail.

Mills plans to introduce the retail packs at the Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s Expo & Seminars March 8 at the Disneyland Hotel, in Anaheim, said Jim Mills, senior vice president.

The line comes in 9- and 10-ounce bags. Mills also plans to introduce a retail version of its green cascade mix® of baby lettuces and radicchio.