United Fresh News
As we edge closer to the heart of summer, the promise of longer days and warmer weather brings with it an exciting wave of seasonal British produce. Fields and coastlines alike are starting to hit their stride, delivering the first true tastes of the UK growing season. From vibrant homegrown soft fruits and tender Jersey Royals to the first of the summer-ready fish, it’s a moment of transition and opportunity. This is the perfect time to lean into the local, celebrate what’s fresh, and start building those brighter, flavour-packed menus that truly reflect the season.
We’ve been busy at United Fresh with some very exciting projects. One of these has recently been confirmed, which is that we have achieved the highest grade of BRCGS Agents & Brokers certification – GRADE AA!
This certification marks years of passion, dedication and unparalleled supply into some of the UK’s most prestigious hospitality groups.
May Market Information
Eggs:
Unfortunately, the challenges facing the egg market have not eased. The industry continues to struggle with the aftermath of widespread avian flu outbreaks, which have placed ongoing strain on both supply and pricing. Production remains disrupted across Europe, and with high feed, energy and input costs still affecting the sector, we’re continuing to see sustained pressure on availability.
While prices have already seen significant increases, the market remains volatile, and further fluctuations are likely in the short term as producers work to stabilise operations.
We understand the disruption this causes and remain fully committed to supporting you. Our teams continue to work closely with suppliers to secure stock and fulfil orders as fully as possible, but some localised shortages may persist. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this continuing period of uncertainty.
Seafood:
We are expecting that Salmon will remain tight through May, with three Norwegian bank holidays slowing harvests and limiting supply. If demand doesn’t rise as expected, producers may begin freezing fish to prevent price drops, though increases are still anticipated. That being said, we’re thankfully not expecting the same sharp spikes we’ve seen in recent years, and things should hopefully ease as we move into June.
We’re also expecting Farmed Halibut to hold steady this spring. The larger three to five kilo fish continue to carry a premium price but deliver excellent yields and a real sense of luxury on the menu. With a MSC rating of two, it’s a smart and sustainable choice for the season.
Meagre is another one to keep an eye on. A fast-growing, efficient species that’s performing well this spring, offering consistency in both size and supply with the added reassurance of a strong sustainability rating.
Flat fish are showing a mixed picture. Lemon Sole from the south coast remains on the pricier side, though other landing areas are helping to balance things out. Prices should gradually ease as we head into the warmer months. Plaice is still recovering from the breeding season, with poor yields on fillets, but quality is set to improve as we move through May. Expect prices to stay firm for now.
Megrim Sole continues to show promise and, together with witch sole, offers a cost-effective route into this ever-versatile fish category. Dover Sole, meanwhile, is moving further offshore. That means an uplift in quality but also a nudge up in pricing.
Coley remains a reliable spring option. While landings at southern ports might fluctuate a little, this underappreciated white fish is a clever way to balance the rising costs elsewhere. It’s a versatile, flavourful fish that sits well across menus and budgets alike.
With Skrei Cod now out of season, our attention turns to other round fish returning to our waters. Mackerel is beginning to make its seasonal appearance, bringing good news on both pricing and availability. Sardines and Herrings are also peaking in quality, particularly from Devon and Cornish fisheries. Their excellent flavour and affordability make them ideal additions to spring and early summer menus.
Cuttlefish is a story of selection. Pot-caught fish from the English Channel and Celtic Seas carry a Marine Conservation Society rating of four, while trawled alternatives sit at a five. Choosing wisely here makes a big difference, not just to your menu, but to the wider environment.
And finally, as we say goodbye to native oysters for the season, Pacific Rock Oysters remain readily available and make an excellent alternative. Mussels are also now entering their spawning season and are best avoided through this period until quality improves.
Fresh Produce:
The UK Asparagus season is now in full swing, with beautiful bunches arriving into our depots daily. These tender spears are excellent quality this year, despite slightly lower yields than previous seasons, and are a seasonal treat worthy of any spring dish. Menu planners take note: the season officially wraps up on June 21st, so make the most of it while you can.
Jersey Royals are also building in volume! Known for their fluffy, buttery texture and delicate flaky skin, Jersey Royals are a staple of the season. Their uniqueness stems from the island’s microclimate and traditional cultivation using seaweed, or vraic, harvested from Jersey’s beaches. This heritage method gives these potatoes their signature flavour. In a similar vein, UK New Potatoes are beginning to come out of the ground, offering a beautifully light texture and flavour that shines whether boiled or roasted whole.
Elsewhere on the veg front, the Spanish Broccoli season will draw to a close by mid-May, with UK supply picking up shortly after. Our growers are optimistic and expects to begin harvesting by early June thanks to the recent warm spell.
UK Peas are another brilliant addition to May menus, bringing a fresh, vibrant sweetness to the plate. For something a little different, consider the arrival of fresh Nettles from our foragers. These wild greens, cooked like Spinach, are excellent in soups, pasta fillings or blended into a bold spring pesto. We’d love to showcase your innovative creations, don’t forget to tag us on socials!
Main crop Carrots are nearing the end of their season with prices firming, but fresh new-season carrots should begin to appear by late May, which should see an ease in prices.
Turning to fruit, the headline this month is the eagerly awaited return of UK’s own soft fruit production. UK Strawberries have started arriving from our local growers across the country. There is nothing that signals the start of warm weather quite like strawberries and cream, and as you know, each of our depots work with their local growers, giving you the chance to celebrate produce that is truly close to home. Raspberries are expected towards the end of the month although their timing remains in the hands of warmer evening temperatures.
From further afield, we are anticipating the flavour-packed arrival of Spanish stone fruit, with Peaches, Nectarines and their flat counterparts all due very soon. Spanish Melons will also begin their seasonal transition this month, delivering a level of sweetness and aroma that only the sun-drenched fields of Spain can produce. As a final nod to early summer, keep an eye out for the first appearances of UK Cherries which may just make it to market by month’s end.
Dutch-grown Salads are also hitting their stride with top-tier quality and excellent volume. Now is the perfect moment to champion Tomatoes with a colourful variety of Dutch and UK heritage types arriving that bring vibrant flavour and instant plate appeal. Do we even need to shout about the fabuslous Isle of Wight tomatoes…?! Just a sprinkle of sea salt is all they need. Cucumbers and Peppers are also arriving from Holland, consistent in both colour and quality.
Whole-head salads are shifting from Spanish to UK supply this month, with Lollo Rosso, Oakleaf and trusty Iceberg coming in from local growers. Early field reports have been positive, though weather conditions remain the key to consistent availability as the season develops.
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.
