This year's frequent climate changes have made it difficult to secure lettuce supplies, and Lotteria is mixing cabbage into its hamburgers. In recent years, hamburger franchise chains, including Lotteria, have often faced disruptions in supplies of weather- and temperature-sensitive vegetables such as lettuce and tomatoes.
According to industry sources on the 14th, Lotteria has recently been serving a mix of lettuce and cabbage in hamburgers sold at some stores. The company said lettuce supplies are not flowing smoothly due to abnormal weather in the growing regions.
At Lotteria Seoul Seolleung in Gangnam District, Seoul, which ChosunBiz visited on the previous day, notices about lettuce supply were posted throughout the store, including on kiosks and at the counter. The hamburger actually ordered (kimchi bulgogi burger) contained finely shredded lettuce and cabbage together.
Most company-operated stores are mixing lettuce and cabbage. For franchise locations, it is possible to personally procure lettuce by buying it at retail outlets such as supermarkets, but due to the expense burden, headquarters is recommending mixed use.
Other hamburger chains such as McDonald's, Burger King, Mom's Touch, No Brand Burger, and Shake Shack have not yet encountered lettuce supply issues. However, as instability could arise, they plan to keep a close watch on the situation and review countermeasures.
An official at a burger franchise said, "Following this summer's heat wave and late heavy rains, it appears that domestic lettuce supplies are tight due to cold damage from a sudden cold snap," adding, "Lettuce can be substituted with imports, but even securing import volumes is not easy."
This is not the first time the industry has faced a vegetable supply crunch, including lettuce. In 2021 there was an abnormal cold spell, and in 2022 heat waves, heavy rains, and typhoon aftereffects disrupted lettuce supplies. In Oct. last year, the prolonged heat wave triggered simultaneous supply turmoil in lettuce and tomatoes.
At the time, McDonald's temporarily removed tomatoes from hamburgers altogether and provided free drink coupons instead. Subway limited the number of tomatoes in sandwiches and salads, and Tous les Jours adjusted the unit price and volume of tomatoes supplied to franchisees.
Since the start of this year, lettuce prices have continued to rise with increased volatility. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) wholesale distribution information system, as of mid-Nov., the price of high-grade lettuce in wholesale markets nationwide is 8,149 won per kilogram. That is up 136% from the same period last year and 233% compared with the average year.