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Fresh producer supplier JEPCO has released its own-label Living Lettuce that has been grown hydroponically into Co-op stores across the UK. The product aims to provide an alternative to fresh bagged salad leaves, produced with a method that looks to reduce water consumption. JEPCO’s Living Lettuce comes as a whole head lettuce with its root system intact; and offers a shelf life of at least seven days once purchased. The leafy salads are produced at JEPCO’s dedicated site in Essex and packaged in 100% recyclable and compostable paper bags. “We are delighted with our Co-op partnership – our Living Lettuce will be the first of many hydroponically hydroponically grown, fresh, rooted salad produce that we hope to be able to offer UK consumers,” said JEPCO general manager, Simon Creasey. He added: “We have the only deep-water system in the UK currently and we see this as the future of fresh produce buying for British consumers because of all the added benefits including quality, shelf-life and flavour. “If the root system is kept in water, shoppers can enjoy fresh salad leaves for distinguishably longer than traditional bagged salads, and we are confident that once you have tasted one of these whole head lettuces, you won’t go back to traditional bagged salad leaves.”