United Fresh News
As June settles in, we find ourselves at a true turning point in the seasonal calendar. The last of the spring staples are giving way to early summer stars, with fields and seas alike offering up a fresh wave of quality and variety. UK-grown salads are thriving in the warmth, soft fruits are arriving in full colour and flavour, and new-season vegetables are beginning to take centre stage. On the coast, native flat fish are coming into their prime, shellfish seasons are picking up pace, and summer-friendly species are making a welcome return. It’s a time to embrace change, celebrate what’s at its best, and shape menus around the vibrant tastes this season has to offer.
We’re excited to share that something has been taking shape behind the scenes here at United Fresh…
Sustainability has always been close to our hearts, not just in principle but in practice. From championing local provenance and reducing food miles, to supporting UK growers and producers, we’ve long believed that doing the right thing should also be a genuinely accessible option.
That’s why we’re especially proud of an upcoming partnership that will take this commitment even further. It marks the next step in our journey to empower our clients with the tools they need to reach their own sustainability goals, and we look forward to sharing more with you very soon!
June Market Information
Seafood:
This month brings both opportunity and a few points of caution. Most notably, many UK and EU mackerel fisheries have been downgraded from an MCS rating of 3 to 4. We’ve long championed the species for its (previously) sustainable credentials, but unfortunately, mackerel has been affected by repeated overfishing of quotas by several nations. However, there is still an option for hook-and-line caught mackerel from select UK fisheries, which retains a rating of 3 and remains a strong choice for those seeking a responsibly sourced alternative. Do note, though, that availability is limited and pricing carries a premium.
Salmon has been notoriously tricky for a while now, but encouragingly we are starting to see stability in both pricing and availability. We can almost safely recommend it as a reliable menu choice for the summer months.
Farmed halibut maintains a strong MCS rating of 2 and offers a premium, sustainable option for summer menus. Meagre is also worth considering. Its firm texture and clean flavour make it ideal for grilling, steaming or pan-frying. It’s resilient to warmer waters and grows quickly, resulting in a lower environmental impact—especially when compared to sea bass or gilthead bream, both of which are facing challenges at the moment.
Native flat fish are showing excellent quality, perfect for the warmer months. Lemon sole is entering the peak of its season, particularly from Cornish fisheries, which will be at their best towards the end of the month. Icelandic landings are also improving, helping to ease pricing pressure. Plaice is now fully in season and a dependable summer choice, particularly when trawled from the North Sea, which carries an MCS rating of 2. Megrim (Cornish sole) and witch sole (Torbay sole) are also at their best and offer excellent value.
Monkfish is a seasonal highlight. Its MCS rating has improved to 2 (previously 4), particularly for white and black-bellied species. However, to ensure the rating applies, the product must be wild-caught and either bottom-trawled or net-caught.
Both native and Canadian lobster seasons are now underway. This should help ease prices and create opportunities to feature lobster on your menus. Do note that native lobsters can vary in grading, so flexibility in sizing will help ensure reliable supply, particularly if you’re forecasting higher volumes.
Fresh Produce:
As we move through June, we bid farewell to wild garlic for another year. Looking ahead, the season for main crop potatoes, carrots and swede is also drawing to a close. We recommend avoiding overstocking, and storing in a cool, dark place will help maintain quality for as long as possible.
UK salad season is now in full swing. Daily deliveries of Lollo Rosso, Oakleaf, Little Gem and Iceberg are bringing both excellent volume and quality. The recent warm weather has boosted yields and supported great leaf development across all varieties.
Strawberries have made a spectacular start to the UK soft fruit season, quickly followed by raspberries showing the same promise. These sweet, subtly tangy fruits are ideal dessert companions. Later this month, expect the brief arrival of UK gooseberries, which bring a unique tartness and versatility.
Old season potatoes are nearly finished, with new season varieties now coming through and offering fresh, vibrant flavour. Meanwhile, Spanish large onions are currently facing availability issues across the wholesale market. We are working closely with our supply partners to avoid disruption, and expect supply to improve over the next couple of weeks.
UK asparagus is now coming to the end of a fantastic season. As domestic supply finishes, we will move to Peruvian asparagus, which is looking excellent in both quality and consistency.
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:
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