United Fresh News
The shift from winter to spring is well underway, bringing longer days, milder temperatures, and fresh energy to the food market. Fields are awakening, trees are budding, and lambs are taking their first steps into sunny fields. Clear signs that a new season of produce and flavours are arriving. Over the next few weeks, expect a balance of late-season staples, vibrant early spring delights, and the first glimpses of summer’s bounty.
We’re also gearing up for an exciting event next month, our stand at the Food & Drink Expo at the NEC on 7th-9th April. We’ll be at stand NN329.
If you’re attending, be sure to stop by and say hello. It’s a great opportunity to chat to our team and get to know the people behind United Fresh! Visitors to our stand will also have the chance to win an exciting prize… Come say hi to find out what!
If you’d like a free ticket to attend, you can follow the link here.
We look forward to seeing you there! 👋
Supplier Showcase:
We’ve spent the last few weeks out in the fields of Yorkshire, exploring the magical sheds within the Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle with our clients. In 2010, the Rhubarb Triangle was officially designated ‘Protected Destination of Origin’ status by the European Commission. Which makes Indoor-Forced rhubarb, what Champagne is to the wine industry, and Parm Ham to the meat industry and Feta Cheese to the dairy industry. It’s pretty clear to see how special Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb is to fans of seasonality, but being able to showcase the love, effort and time that goes into growing and nurturing each vibrant stalk is always a fantastic experience and really drives home the importance of supporting our farmers!
Do you want this for your kitchens? Get in touch!
March Market Information
Eggs:
As you’ll be aware, the UK and Europe have been significantly impacted by ongoing outbreaks of avian flu, which has put considerable strain on egg production. Prices have risen as a result, something you will have already noticed, and supply has been reduced across the board. Despite these challenges, we have been able to keep up with demand, though continued pressure on the sector means volatility is likely to remain in the short term.
As the industry navigates these disruptions, keeping an eye on availability and potential fluctuations will be key in the coming weeks.
Seafood:
March brings a fantastic selection of seafood for our chefs to pick from, especially with Skrei Cod in season this month until the end of April. Its lean texture and excellent flavour make it a significant must-have on menus this month!
Those looking for a meaty fish alternative will be pleased to hear that Monkfish prices have eased slightly, enabling its return to menus. We’ve been seeing a few monkfish tacos making there way through the specials, which have been fantastic!
Mackerel should start returning to coastal waters, with improved availability expected in late spring. Sardines and Herrings from Devon and Cornwall will be prominent throughout March up to their peak in April before spawning later in the season.
Unfortunately, it isn’t all good news! Dover Sole remains consistently firm in price due to export demand, and quality is unlikely to improve until May. Similarly, price and availability for hake continue to fluctuate, while Haddock has entered its spawning season, affecting fillet yields and pushing prices up. Canadian Lobsters will remain expensive until the spring season begins between April and June. Native Lobster availability will depend on rising sea temperatures.
As always, sourcing remains key to quality and sustainability. With warmer months on the horizon, shifting availability is expected as the season progresses. This makes it the perfect time to highlight exceptional seafood choices on menus.
Fresh Produce:
As highlighted in our previous report, unpredictable weather continues to shape the market. Hard frosts in Scotland and dry conditions in Wales initially delayed the Wild Garlic season, but rising temperatures and expected rainfall should help bring supply levels up, making it one of the most exciting foraged ingredients of the season.
UK Asparagus is starting to surface, though prices remain high for now, with more availability expected soon. UK Cauliflower is a staple product that should not be ignored this spring, especially as supermarkets are choosing to import the product rather than utilise the wonderful UK crop!
Speaking of wonderful UK crop… Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb remains a strong seasonal choice for all venues and should be utilised to its full extent during its short window.
We also eagerly await the start of the Jersey Royals season later in the month!
Sandy Carrots from France are nearing the end of their season, alongside Radishes and Jerusalem Artichokes. While flavour remains excellent, late-season crops may see slight reductions in calibre and shelf life. With several root vegetables nearing their seasonal end, this is the final call for UK Beetroots, as well as Bramley Apples, Jerusalem Artichokes, and Leafy Clementines from Valencia.
Spanish Spikey Artichokes are proving to be an excellent and adaptable choice. Spanish Strawberries, though delayed, are now arriving in good volumes; however, we will await the infamous UK strawberry season towards the end of the month for the best strawberries!
The salad season is beginning to take shape, with early reports from Dutch growers showing no major supply concerns. Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Peppers are gradually becoming available, and Cos Lettuce is emerging as a cost-effective alternative to Iceberg, offering a slightly nutty flavour and versatility for a variety of dishes.
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!
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.
Don’t stop there!
Read some of our other articles here:
September Market Report 2026
Our September market report covering current foodservice supply chain issues, seasonality, and predictions.
British potatoes are feeling the heat!
Drought and extreme heat are putting the 2026 UK potato crop under pressure, but what does this mean for yields, quality and foodservice supply? We explore what’s happening and why.
August Market Report 2026
Our August market report covering current foodservice supply chain issues, seasonality, and predictions.
