United Fresh News
April marks a true turning point in the food calendar. Spring is no longer just a promise; itâs here. Fields are greening, orchards are beginning to blossom, and seasonal stars like asparagus and Jersey Royals are making their long-awaited return. At the same time, producers and suppliers continue to navigate tight supply chains, inflationary pressure and unpredictable weather. This month brings a vibrant mix of opportunity and challenge, as we celebrate the arrival of new-season produce while staying alert to the realities of the market.
Supplier Showcase:
This month, we sat down with Stefano Afonso, Managing Director and founder of Foodpoint Produce, to learn more about how his business is setting a new standard in the world of fresh supply.
From investing in biofuel-powered fleets to developing bespoke logistics tech, Foodpoint is blending innovation with sustainability to meet the demands of a changing market.
Read the full article here!
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April Market Information
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Eggs:
The poultry sector is facing substantial pressures. Egg prices have risen dramatically in recent months, driven by outbreaks of bird flu that have led to culling and supply disruptions across Europe. These disruptions, combined with rising demand, higher feed and energy costs, and other input pressures, have contributed to the 20%+ increases already seen in egg prices. The market price continues to rise week on week, and further price hikes are expected as the industry works to stabilize supply.
Additionally, while we have seen an impact on both price and supply, we want to reassure you that we are doing everything we can to fulfil orders as fully as possible. Many of our depots have faced shortages from their egg suppliers during this challenging time, but we remain committed to mitigating this and ensuring that we continue to support you. We ask for your understanding as we work through these temporary supply issues.
Meat:
The Beef market has experienced significant disruption. UK production is forecast to decline by 5%, while demand has crept upward. This imbalance has resulted in UK deadweight cattle prices rising between 20% and 25%. Itâs not just us, internationally, the U.S. is experiencing its lowest herd numbers in half a century, drawing large volumes from South America and beyond, further inflating global prices. Cuts like Topsides, Silversides, Rumps, and trim for Mince and Burgers have seen year-to-date increases exceeding 20%.
Bird flu continues to impact Poultry production, with widespread culling causing supply shortages across the continent. This, combined with higher energy and input costs, has led to chicken prices rising by over 20% already this year. Weekly upward shifts are now the norm, and pressures show no sign of slowingâŚ
Spring Lambs are now entering the market, with strong demand expected around Easter and early summer. Prices are firming up, supported by limited availability and heightened interest in seasonal, locally-sourced cuts. Menu planning should account for these higher costs and potential short-term volatility.
Seafood:
Prices have stabilised somewhat for Salmon but are expected to rise as we get further into April due to Easter-driven demand and reduced harvesting. Norwayâs bank holidays in May will further limit supply, potentially prompting price hikes. Rainbow Trout prices are also expected to rise due to the closure of a key producer. Sea-reared Trout, however, remains a cost-effective salmon alternative.
Flat Fish prices are easing, with Lemon Sole and Plaice expected to improve in both quality and availability from April into May. Megrim and Witch Soles currently also present good value.
Large Cod is expected to rise slightly in price, again due to the rise in demand leading up to Easter. Â Unfortunately smaller Cod sizes will remain high in price due to poor landings. Which similarly has affected smaller sizes of Haddock, which is now in spawning season, also impacting yields. However, Coley continues to be a reliable and affordable alternative. Alongside Skrei Cod, which is in peak season until end of April, so get it whist it lasts!
More good news for round fish such as Monkfish are also good value for spring menus. Accompanied by Mackerel, Sardines, and Herrings which are returning to UK waters and should be plentiful and well-priced in the coming weeks.
Fresh Produce:
Poor weather in Spain has been the cause of many issues as weâre in the transitional period into the UK season. Whilst the temperatures are improving and the rain is slowing, the impact is still significant, particularly for the open-field crops. Weâve also seen reduced yields and poorer quality in Salad crops such as Peppers, Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Salads (Iceberg, Little Gem, Cos, Lollo Rosso, Biondi, Oakleaf, Endive). Again, whilst weâre seeing an improvement, itâs worth keeping in the back of your mind when ordering for the interim to UK supply is in full swing.
A personal favourite of ours is now en route to market. Jersey Royals are now on their way however they will remain expensive and in short supply during the early season batches. Another fan-favourite which is in full swing and widely available, making their prices a bit easier to swallow, UK Asparagus!
Theresâ a lot to look forward to in the upcoming months when it comes to UK produce. Whilst we arenât far off the start of the UK Strawberry season, with a couple of small batches making it into the supply chain, we are still able to enjoy the wonderful Rhubarb until then. Another product that is in the early stages of their season is the renowned Isle of Wight Tomatoes! Weâve had the pleasure of seeing their beautifully colourful boxes enter our depots and being promptly whisked away again to our lucky customers.
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:Â 01789 339 106
Seasonality Information
Weâve created a quick and easy visual guide to understanding what products are in season each month!
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Disclaimer â 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.
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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 whatâs happening and why.
August Market Report 2026
Our August market report covering current foodservice supply chain issues, seasonality, and predictions.
