Wendy's Canada Introduces Greenhouse-Grown Lettuce in Full Canadian Menu
First Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) to Offer Zero-Pesticide Lettuce
TORONTO, July 14, 2020 /CNW/ - As part of its ongoing commitment to quality, sustainability and food safety, Wendy's® is expanding its greenhouse-grown fresh produce portfolio by introducing 100 per cent Canadian greenhouse-grown lettuce in its salads and sandwiches. Like the greenhouse-grown tomatoes launched in 2018, Wendy's will be the first national brand in the Canadian QSR industry to serve great-tasting, crispy and crunchy greenhouse-grown lettuce in all 384 of its restaurants across the country. All lettuce served will be grown in Canadian-sourced peat with zero pesticides.
"At Wendy's, we are committed to using fresh ingredients, whenever possible, across our menu," says Lisa Deletroz, Senior Director, Marketing, Wendy's Canada. "The move to greenhouse-grown lettuce is part of our ongoing commitment to offer Canadians the highest quality, best-tasting ingredients. We know that greenhouse farms grow produce that hits the mark for freshness and delicious flavour every time. What's more, this transition will enable Wendy's to further support Canadian producers and the Canadian economy, while offering supply predictability and consistency."
Whole Leaf, the grower of Inspired Leaves, will provide the greenhouse-grown lettuce to all Wendy's locations in Canada. Located in Coaldale, Alberta, its greenhouse technology allows Whole Leaf to capture and reduce its water consumption by over 90 per cent compared to field grown lettuce. Whole Leaf also has an onsite process that captures waste heat and CO2 at the same time, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and allowing it to be completely self-sufficient for electricity and heating.
"We are proud to partner with Wendy's Canada on its initiative to supply zero-pesticide lettuce," says Rindi Bristol, Senior Director, Sales, Whole Leaf. "With more Canadians looking for sustainable products, this strategic partnership allows us to reach Wendy's customers all-year round with high-quality fresh produce alongside a brand that – like Inspired Leaves – is committed to quality and sustainability."
The Wendy's Canada core salad line-up includes the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad, Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad, Grilled Caesar Salad and Taco Salad. Wendy's favourite hamburger and chicken sandwiches, including the signature Dave's Single, will also be served with greenhouse-grown lettuce.
To try greenhouse-grown lettuce at a Wendy's restaurant near you, visit order.wendys.com/location.
About Wendy's®
Wendy's® was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio. Dave built his business on the premise, "Quality is our Recipe®," which remains the guidepost of the Wendy's system. Wendy's is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, using fresh, never frozen beef*, freshly-prepared salads, and other signature items like chili, baked potatoes and the Frosty® dessert. The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq: WEN) is committed to doing the right thing and making a positive difference in the lives of others. This is most visible through the Company's support of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption® and its signature Wendy's Wonderful Kids® program, which seeks to find every child in the North American foster care system a loving, forever home. Today, Wendy's and its franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across more than 6,800 restaurants worldwide with a vision of becoming the world's most thriving and beloved restaurant brand. For details on franchising, connect with us at www.wendys.com/franchising. Visit www.wendys.ca and www.squaredealblog.com for more information and connect with us on Twitter and Instagram using @WendysCanada, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WendysCanada.
*Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska, and Canada.
SOURCE Wendy's Restaurants of Canada
For further information: Media contact: Alissa Liotti, alissa.liotti@ketchum.com