Face of Coles cos lettuce has farmers stamp of approval

THE recently launched three-pack of cos lettuce will feature a very familiar Lockyer Valley face on the packaging at Coles supermarkets.

SMILING FACE: Anthony Staatz from Koala farms is proud to be the face of Baby Cos lettuce at Coles. Picture: Ali Kuchel

THE recently launched three-pack of cos lettuce will feature a very familiar Lockyer Valley face on the packaging at Coles supermarkets.

A photo of Koala Farm's Anthony Staatz can be found on the iceberg, cos and baby cos lettuce bags in Coles supermarkets.

"It's about trying to personalise the products so customers can realise it comes from a local," Mr Staatz said.

For the past three years, Mr Staatz has had his photo on the lettuce packaging at Coles, connecting the grower to the product.

Koala Farms crops 700 acres twice a year.

He said being on the packaging was interesting at the start.

"It shows the commitment from Coles on their behalf," he said.

"It changes the look in store and has more of our story than our face."

While harvesting baby cos finished at his Lake Clarendon property on Monday, planting and harvest preparations were under way at the western farms situated south of Toowoomba.

"It's about five degrees cooler up there," Mr Staatz said.

"The lettuces don't like the heat."

Although Koala Farms started out as a small farm, Mr Staatz said it has grown into a thriving business.

"When you're such a large supplier to a chain store which is successful, you have to grow with them," he said.