‘Hit an iceberg’: KFC switches to cabbage due to lettuce shortage

theguardian.com:

If you’ve noticed a twist in your Twister, or a bit more zing in your Zinger, it could be that Australia’s lettuce shortage is starting to bite.

KFC has advised customers that they are temporarily using a blend of lettuce and cabbage in stores in Victoria, NSW, Queensland, the ACT and Tasmania because of supply issues across the country.

“We’ve hit a bit of an Iceberg and are currently experiencing some lettuce supply chain disruptions due to the impacts of the recent Queensland and NSW floods,” the fast-food chain posted online.

“We’re working with our multiple suppliers to provide them with support, but we do expect disruptions to continue in the coming days,” KFC said in a statement late last month.

“Apologies for any inconvenience caused, we appreciate you all being Little Gems as we work to get things back to normal ASAP.”

Those who don’t fancy cabbage can remove all greenery from their food instead, KFC said, by using the customise option when ordering online.

Iceberg lettuces, the variety favoured by fast food outlets, have hit prices as high as $12 each in some supermarkets.

In Queensland’s Lockyer Valley, some lettuce farmers have lost three crops in a row, the ABC reported.

While KFC have not lettuce know how long the shortfall will last, an AusVeg spokesperson told Guardian Australia last week it could be some time before prices drop.