LETTUCE FOR PROCESSING IN LATIN AMERICA: A McGROWING PROBLEM FOR THE FAST FOOD INDUSTRIES

Abstract

Latin America is targeted as one of the most rapidly growing areas for expansion for McDonald's International. For example, McDonald's opened its first store in Mexico in 1985 and now has over 50 stores in that country. McDonald's is projecting to have over 100 stores in Mexico by the year 2000. Producing vegetable crops in the same country as a store is desirable to reduce shipping problems and to enhance vegetable production within the country. Problems with lettuce in Latin America include field production (poor growth and yields) and postharvest processing and handling (short shelf life). Beginning in 1992, field studies in cooperation with McDonald's International and Asgrow Seed Company were established in three field sites in Mexico and one site in Panama to determine seasonal uses of varieties (Mexico and Panama) and sites (Mexico) in order to provide quality year round production of lettuce for processing. Results suggest that varieties acceptable for trade in fresh market may not have desirable characteristics during processing (color and cut) and storage (shelf life and odor). In addition, the introduction of new varieties may be needed for year-round production.