Leafy greens shortage causes headache for restaurants

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Major Japanese restaurant chains are experiencing shortages and rising prices for leafy greens like lettuce and Chinese cabbage due to an unusually rainy September that impaired crop growth. In response, these chains are altering menus, diversifying supply sources, and considering alternative ingredients to manage stock levels amid uncertain weather conditions expected to persist through October.

Major restaurant chains in Japan are facing supply shortages and escalating prices for leafy greens following an unusually rainy September that limited sunlight and hindered crop growth. The disruptions have primarily affected Chinese cabbage and lettuce, with industry experts warning that the shortage may continue through the end of October.

According to a food price survey released on October 16 by the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry, the retail price for a kilogram of lettuce reached 1,143 yen (approximately RM29.50) between October 5 and 7. This marks nearly double the average price observed over the past five years. A ministry official noted that predicting when supply levels will normalize remains challenging due to ongoing weather-related conditions.

In response to the supply constraints, several restaurant chains have adjusted their menus and sourcing strategies. The Royal Host chain, which had initially shifted from red leaf lettuce to regular lettuce in mid-September due to shortages, began substituting cabbage and kale for lettuce in set meal salads and side dishes starting October 11. A company spokesperson indicated that if supply conditions worsen, the chain may have to suspend sales of certain dishes.

Mos Food Services, operator of Mos Burger, is reportedly considering similar changes to its vegetable offerings should the shortage of green leaf lettuce continue. Meanwhile, McDonald's Japan has taken steps to diversify its supply chain by expanding domestic sourcing regions and importing lettuce from overseas suppliers in the United States, South Korea, and Malaysia to stabilize inventory.

Industry analysts emphasize the need for the restaurant sector to adapt to increasing occurrences of extreme weather patterns. Daisuke Yamamoto of The Japan Research Institute highlighted the importance of measures such as broadening supply networks and investing in alternative growing methods, including vertical farming, to mitigate future disruptions.

As Japan contends with the ongoing leafy greens shortage, these adaptive strategies are seen as critical to ensuring menu stability and meeting consumer demand in the face of climate-related agricultural challenges.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.