UF News
This month, we are incredibly proud to share that United Fresh has been recognised by The Caterer as one of the Top 30 Places to Work in Hospitality 2026.
Even more special to us, we are the only foodservice supplier included on this year’s finalists. This recognition that reflects the culture, care and commitment shown by our team every single day.
At United Fresh, we have always believed that strong relationships begin with strong people. Whether supporting customers, growers or supply partners, it is the energy, dedication and collaboration of our team that sits at the heart of everything we do.
To everyone who has been part of the journey so far, thank you. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and excited for what comes next.
June Market Information
June is where the season truly comes into its own.
British produce is now firmly taking centre stage, bringing stronger availability, improved quality and the kind of flavour that naturally shapes early summer menus. From peak asparagus and Jersey Royals to the arrival of British berries and summer vegetables, this is a month that rewards simplicity, freshness and provenance.
For chefs and buyers, June is the time to lean confidently into British produce, celebrate ingredients at their seasonal best and build menus around the freshness and optimism that summer brings.
Fresh Produce:
June is one of the most exciting months of the year for British produce, with some of the season’s best known ingredients now hitting their stride.
British asparagus is undoubtedly one of the stars of the month. Volumes are strong, quality is excellent and this brief but much-loved season is now in full swing. Whether simply grilled with soft yolk and hollandaise, shaved through seasonal salads or paired with seafood, asparagus remains one of the clearest signs that summer has arrived.
Jersey Royal potatoes continue to justify their seasonal status, with excellent quality and reliable availability throughout the month. Their delicate skins and naturally nutty flavour mean they need little more than butter and herbs, though they work equally well alongside grilled fish and early summer vegetables.
Summer berries are beginning to shine. British strawberries are building momentum as the season progresses, bringing sweetness and fragrance back to menus, while raspberries continue to improve as UK outdoor fruit begins to arrive. Blueberries are currently one of the strongest performers, combining excellent quality with good availability and value.
June also offers a short but special window for wet garlic, a softer, fresher version of mature garlic that brings a sweeter flavour and delicate texture to seasonal cooking. Roasted whole, folded through dressings or paired with lamb and seafood, it is one to enjoy before the season disappears.
Across salads and summer vegetables, conditions are improving. Tomatoes are now performing far more consistently following the difficult end to the Spanish season, with Dutch supply delivering stronger quality and early UK-grown lines beginning to appear. Peppers have also recovered well, while courgettes continue to offer strong availability, stable pricing and excellent versatility as summer cooking takes shape.
Looking ahead, peaches begin to improve significantly as the season gathers pace, bringing better flavour and consistency than earlier months. Outdoor rhubarb also settles into a steadier rhythm as British volumes strengthen.
There are, however, still a few categories to watch. Cauliflower remains tight, with quality and pricing still under pressure in the short term, while broccoli enters a transitional period before UK season begins later in the summer. Leeks may also require additional European support, with some upward pricing movement expected. Finally, after a strong season, wild garlic will naturally begin to fade as flowering limits availability.
Seafood:
Following the spawning season, plaice is now in excellent condition, with improving quality and stronger fillet yields making it a standout option for seasonal menus. Lemon sole is also improving as UK landings strengthen with better weather, while megrim sole and Cornish sole continue to offer particularly good value for specials and smaller plates through the summer months. Brill and turbot remain in season, though turbot continues to command a premium.
One of the standout summer menu choices is wild sea bass, now back in season following the spring fishing restrictions. Its clean flavour and versatility make it ideal for lighter summer dishes, particularly when paired with tomatoes, herbs and coastal flavours.
There is also some welcome relief across premium farmed fish. Salmon pricing is expected to soften as summer progresses, improving its position for menus after a more challenging start to the year. Halibut remains stable and dependable, while Arctic char continues to offer a refined alternative to salmon with excellent presentation and versatility.
As costs across traditional whitefish remain elevated, alternatives are becoming increasingly relevant. Tilapia is emerging as a useful option for operators looking to navigate continued pressure on cod and haddock, while coley from Iceland and Alaska pollock continue to offer reliable, well performing alternatives.
Shellfish presents a more mixed picture. Lobster availability improves as Canadian season builds and native catches begin to strengthen with warmer waters, helping to ease pricing pressure. Poole clams are also benefiting from seasonal conditions, with warmer months supporting stronger yields and better value.
There are, however, some seasonal watchouts. Mussels are best avoided through summer as spawning impacts quality and shelf life. Dover sole should remain off menus until July, while mackerel continues to fall outside recommended choices. Scallops remain tight despite the opening of the US season, and fresh tuna and swordfish may begin to see upward pricing pressure as summer demand and freight costs build.
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:
June Market Report 2026
Our June market report covering current foodservice supply chain issues, seasonality, and predictions.
May Market Report 2026
Our May market report covering current foodservice supply chain issues, seasonality, and predictions.
April Market Report 2026
April market report covering current foodservice supply chain issues, seasonality, and predictions.
