UF News
We have spent the last few weeks out in the fields of Yorkshire with clients, stepping inside the remarkable sheds of the Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle. In 2010 this unique growing region was granted Protected Designation of Origin status by the European Commission, placing Yorkshire forced rhubarb in the same league as Champagne, Parma Ham and Feta when it comes to heritage and provenance.
Seeing the process first hand brings a new appreciation for just how special this crop is. Each vibrant pink stalk is carefully nurtured in near darkness, hand harvested by candlelight and grown with extraordinary patience and skill. Experiences like this are a powerful reminder of why supporting British growers matters, and how much care sits behind truly seasonal produce.
March Market Information
March sits firmly at the point where winter begins to loosen its grip and the first signs of spring start to appear. Hearty roots and winter greens are still delivering comfort and value, but brighter, more delicate flavours are beginning to emerge across both land and sea. It is a month of transition and opportunity, where menus can bridge the depth of winter with the freshness of the season ahead.
Seafood:
March brings a mix of seasonal highlights and ongoing market pressures. One of the standout species at this time of year is Skrei cod, renowned for its long migration from the Barents Sea to the Norwegian coast. This journey produces a beautifully firm texture and clean, delicate flavour that makes Skrei highly prized for premium menus during its short seasonal window.
Monkfish is performing well this month, with consistent landings and prices easing compared to earlier in the winter. Its versatility and reliable quality continue to make it a strong menu option across a wide range of dishes.
Meagre is also showing good biomass, with firm flesh that pairs particularly well with Mediterranean flavours. It offers a useful alternative where traditional whitefish prices remain elevated.
Many native flatfish are still moving through their spawning period, which affects quality and yields, but conditions should begin to improve as April approaches for species such as plaice and megrim sole. Witch sole should be avoided as it enters its spawning phase, while Dover sole is nearing the end of its seasonal window before spawning begins next month.
Pricing pressure continues across cod and haddock markets, reflecting the wider challenges seen throughout the winter. Halibut remains stable but sits firmly in the premium category, while smaller freshwater rainbow trout continues to offer price stability and versatility for menus.
Seasonal factors beyond Europe are also influencing availability. With Ramadan, fishing activity in some key regions typically reduces, which can temporarily tighten supply of species such as tuna and swordfish.
As always, careful sourcing remains essential for both quality and continuity. With spring approaching, availability will continue to shift, creating opportunities to highlight seasonal species while maintaining flexibility in menu planning.
Fresh Produce:
One of the most exciting seasonal signals this month is the arrival of wild garlic. Its unmistakable aroma and vibrant green leaves bring instant freshness to dishes, whether folded into butter, blitzed into oils or scattered through pasta and risotto. It is a short window ingredient that we all eagerly anticipate each year.
Yorkshire forced rhubarb continues through the first half of the month before the transition to outdoor British rhubarb begins. Its sharp sweetness and colour remain invaluable for desserts, compotes and savoury pairings.
Towards the end of March, the first British asparagus spears will begin to appear, followed by the earliest arrivals of British strawberries as the month closes. These early crops always generate excitement for the shift toward lighter seasonal cooking.
Jersey Royals will also begin to emerge later in the month. Grown in the unique coastal soils of Jersey and harvested by hand on steep slopes, their delicate skins and naturally nutty flavour make them one of the most anticipated seasonal potatoes of the year. Availability starts slowly but builds momentum as spring develops.
Winter greens continue to deliver strong kitchen value. Purple sprouting broccoli remains in excellent condition and works beautifully when charred and finished with citrus or chilli. UK curly kale provides structure and depth, ideal for crisped garnishes or folded into warm grains. White turnips offer a lighter alternative to heavier roots, while dependable celeriac continues to bring comfort through purées, roasts and soups. Sweet potatoes are also performing strongly across a wide range of applications. Rainbow chard is also performing well, bringing colour and versatility to early spring plates.
Jerusalem artichokes remain a creative favourite for the final part of their season, whether roasted, smashed, puréed or paired with seafood. Squash and parsnips continue to offer warmth and familiarity as winter gradually fades.
On the Spanish front, growers are still experiencing difficult conditions. Prolonged rainfall, cooler temperatures and logistical pressures continue to tighten supply across key lines, and the situation remains under close observation as the season progresses.
Our team is always here for any questions or queries you may have about any of the information in this report.
Email us here: thehub@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.
