Lettuce Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Form (Fresh Lettuce, Processed Lettuce), By Mode of Transportation (Conventional Farming, Hydroponics, Vertical Farming, Others), By Distribution channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail/E-commerce, Specialty Stores, Foodservice, Others) and By Region Forecast 2020-2031

Lettuce Market size was valued at US$ 4,128.3 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 5,543.2 million by 2031, growing at a significant CAGR of 4.0% from 2025-2031. Moreover, the U.S market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% over the forecast period. The market refers to the global trade and consumption of lettuce, a leafy green vegetable widely used in fresh salads, sandwiches, garnishes, and processed food products. It encompasses the production, distribution, and sales of different lettuce varieties such as iceberg, romaine, butterhead, and leaf lettuce, catering to retail, foodservice, and processing industries.

The market has witnessed steady growth, driven by rising consumer preference for healthy diets, increasing demand for fresh and ready-to-eat foods, and expanding foodservice sectors worldwide. With advancements in hydroponic and greenhouse farming, year-round supply has become more accessible, supporting consistent consumption. The market is further influenced by shifting lifestyle patterns, urbanization, and the expansion of modern retail chains, making lettuce one of the most widely traded fresh vegetables globally.

Facts & Figures 

• In fact,
• The Global production of lettuce and chicory reached about 28 million tonnes in 2023.
• China contributes more than 50% of global lettuce output.
• The United States produces roughly 85% of its lettuce consumption domestically.
• Per capita global consumption averages 3.5 kg per person annually.
• Belgium records the highest per capita consumption at around 49 kg per person annually.
• Post-harvest losses of lettuce can account for up to 40% of global production.

Key Developments  

• In August 2025, Church Brothers Farms launched the Stack Pack, an innovative packaging format for Ready Leaf and Green Leaf fillets. Featuring a coin-like stacking and vacuum-sealed design, it ensures uniform sizing, reduced breakage, and easier handling. With a single-leaf wash followed by a triple wash, the product is 40% cleaner than standard bagged options and is available in multiple carton sizes.
• In July 2025, Little Leaf Farms, the nation’s leading brand of packaged lettuce grown sustainably through controlled environment agriculture (CEA), announced the expansion of its leafy green’s portfolio with the launch of its newest variety, Romaine Leaf.
• In June 2025, the local specialty lettuce industry witnessed an exciting advancement with the launch of two new green multileaf lettuce varieties, Verdagio and Green Machine, introduced by Starke Ayres. These varieties are designed to deliver superior yields, vibrant coloration, and vigorous growth. Both Verdagio and Green Machine have been carefully developed and selected to maximize yield potential, reinforcing Starke Ayres’ commitment to innovation in high-quality lettuce production.

Lettuce Market Segmentation

Based on the form 

• Fresh Lettuce
• Processed Lettuce

Fresh lettuce is anticipated to lead the market, primarily driven by the growing consumer demand for natural, unprocessed, and nutrient-rich food choices. As health awareness continues to rise, consumers are increasingly opting for fresh vegetables to incorporate into daily meals, particularly salads, sandwiches, and wraps. The perception of freshness as a marker of quality and nutrition strongly influences purchasing behavior across households and foodservice outlets. Moreover, the expansion of supermarkets, farmers’ markets, and online grocery platforms has made fresh lettuce more accessible. This preference for fresh produce positions fresh lettuce as the dominant form in the global market.

Based on the cultivation method 

• Conventional Farming
• Hydroponics
• Vertical Farming
• Others

Among the cultivation methods, conventional farming is anticipated to lead the lettuce market, largely due to its widespread adoption, established infrastructure, and cost-effectiveness compared to newer techniques. Conventional farming has long been the dominant method for lettuce production, particularly in key producing regions such as the United States, Spain, and China, where large-scale open-field farming provides high volumes to meet global demand. Its scalability and relatively lower investment requirements make it accessible to a broad base of farmers, ensuring consistent supply to retail and foodservice sectors. While hydroponics and vertical farming are growing rapidly, conventional farming continues to dominate because of its extensive global presence and ability to cater to mass consumption efficiently.

Based on the distribution channel 

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retail/E-commerce
• Specialty Stores
• Foodservice
• Others

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets are anticipated to lead the lettuce market distribution channels, driven by their wide reach, diverse product offerings, and ability to provide fresh produce in bulk. These outlets serve as primary shopping destinations for households, offering consumers convenient access to different lettuce varieties, including both fresh and packaged forms. Supermarkets and hypermarkets also invest heavily in cold storage and proper handling, which helps maintain the freshness and quality of lettuce, a highly perishable product. Promotional strategies such as discounts, salad kits, and bundled deals further enhance consumer preference for these channels. With the global expansion of retail giants and growing urbanization, supermarkets and hypermarkets are expected to remain the dominant distribution hub for lettuce.