United Fresh News
As we kick off the new year, it’s time to embrace the fresh start that January brings, both in the kitchen and the market.
While the festive season winds down, there’s still plenty of inspiration to be found in this month’s ingredients. From hearty, wintery vegetables to the freshest seafood and game options, January is full of possibilities for creating menus that warm the soul and satisfy every guest.
Supplier Showcase:
We’ve got something exciting coming your way soon…
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January Market Information
Seafood:
As we enter into January, Salmon farms are expected to reduce harvests as the waters cool and the fish stop feeding, which, combined with the break in harvesting after Christmas, means that Salmon prices are expected to rise even higher in January compared to December. We’d recommend considering freshwater or sea-reared Trout as an alternative, it’s a fantastic option with a much more stable price.
Lemon Sole prices are also on the rise, thanks to patchy fishing efforts. Plaice is best avoided right now since their spawning season (January to April) means thinner, lower-quality fillets—and rising prices to match. Megrim Sole is heading out of season too, so it’s not the best time to rely on it.
For a better-value option, Witch Sole from the North Sea is a great choice. It’s available in good supply and offers excellent quality, as its breeding season comes later. Cod and Haddock prices might go up in the weeks following Christmas due to fewer fishing trips, but frozen options can help balance costs.
Monkfish is likely to stay pricey until mid-January, when Scottish fleets start fishing again. Mackerel supplies will be limited and dependent on imports until spring quotas kick in. Canadian Lobsters are getting more expensive, and Native Lobsters are becoming scarce as the waters cool, which is driving prices up even further.
Looking ahead, frozen Cod prices may ease slightly as demand declines, with frozen Haddock prices expected to stabilise early in the year. However, new supplies of single-frozen cold-water Prawns won’t be available until spring.
Bass and Bream prices are forecast to climb higher into 2025, fuelled by supply shortages and increasing demand. For those relying on farmed Cod, note that sizes of 3kg+ won’t return until Q2 of 2025, so planning ahead is essential.
Dairy:
We’re still seeing more dairy farmers leaving the industry, and this trend might even accelerate despite farmgate Milk prices going up again. These increases will hit Milk, Cream, and Butter first, and then make their way into Cheeses.
Right now, there are around 7,100 dairy producers in the UK, but that number could drop to as low as 5,000 – 6,000 by 2027. The big question is whether those remaining farmers can keep up with the UK’s huge demand, which is currently around 14.8 – 15.2 billion litres of milk a year!
Meat:
2025 is shaping up to be a strong year for Beef. UK consumer demand is healthy, and exports are growing, which has kept cattle prices competitive even on the global market. That said, Beef farms are feeling the squeeze from rising costs and unpredictable weather, making profitability uncertain. If these pressures continue, we could see price increases later in the year, and we’re keeping a close watch on the situation.
It’s also the last month of the game season, so take advantage of the fresh supply of Partridge, Pheasant, Venison, and Wild Duck. These proteins are perfect for hearty, warming dishes during the colder months.
Fresh Produce:
We’re expecting an increase in price within root vegetables due to the harsh winter conditions. However, we’re seeing an abundance of amazing produce come through the doors, ready to elevate your dishes.
Cabbage! Who would think the humble product is so exciting? Red and White Cabbage are in good supply throughout the UK and an easy local win. As well as Savoy Cabbage, which we are seeing in abundance right now. But you cannot forget about the January King Cabbage, which is only here for a very short time!
Sprouts are not just for Christmas… Sorry, we’ll stop now. But seriously, we recommend utilising Sprouts while they’re still in season to help bulk up any sides.
We’re seeing Kale come in and out of the depots in great stead this month, the perfect product to add texture to the plate.
UK Leeks are a brilliant product if you’re looking for a high-quality, tasty, steady-price item. Alongside Butternut Squash, which is in a similar position!
Now, in terms of British fruit, we are still relying on a variety of the winter classics from store – Apples & Pears. However, we do also have the super seasonal Quince coming into the depots this month.
Strawberries and Raspberries are arriving this month from the EU. However, we recommend trying to avoid them where possible, as you just can’t beat a British Strawberry in season.
What we would recommend trying are some of the fantastic citrus fruits coming in from Spain, such as Blood Oranges, Marmalade Oranges, Pink Grapefruit and Nadorcotts, which are all bursting with colour, fragrance and flavour!
We are seeing some trouble with Grapes due to the poor harvest and shipping delays. We’d recommend trying to avoid them if possible until the situation improves.
Our team is always here for any questions or queries you may have about any of the information in this report.
Email us here: hello@unitedfresh.co.uk
Or call us: 01789 339 106
Seasonality Information
We’ve created a quick and easy visual guide to understanding what products are in season each month. Click here to download the PDF or take a look at the images below.
Disclaimer – This market report is here to guide you, based on the knowledge and experience of our experienced buyers. However, many factors can still influence the market, including unforeseen extreme weather, seasonal changes, supply and demand and climate change impacts.
