November Market Information

Dairy Highlights:

Following on from our last report from October, we unfortunately have yet to see the end of the increases to Dairy products.

As previously mentioned, we are seeing a significant increase in Butter prices due to ongoing supply challenges stemming from a shortage of Cream. As demand continues to outstrip supply, this upward pressure on butter prices is expected to persist in the short term. However, there is some optimism on the horizon, with projections suggesting that costs may begin to relax in January 2025.

Furthermore, cheese prices are also starting to rise, reflecting the previous increases in Milk and cream prices. As the dairy market adjusts, this trend is likely to continue.

On a more stable note, Bread prices remain unchanged, providing some consistency in a fluctuating market. The stability of these essential items allows for greater predictability in menu planning and budgeting, which is beneficial for everyone.

We remain committed to supporting and protecting our British farmers, recognising their vital role in our food chain. Again, as highlighted by one of our supply partners:

“Ensuring that we maintain a price that is both realistic and competitive is critical if our farmers are to have a sustainable business. We must protect our farmers to ensure continuity of supply if we are to maintain a reliable supply chain for all our customers.”

For any pricing queries or further information, please reach out to your nominated account manager, who will be happy to assist you.

Fish Highlights:

With cooler coastal waters around the UK, November brings an excellent selection of fresh fish that is perfect for autumn menus. Whiting is abundant during this season, providing a versatile option that’s ideal for frying, baking, or using in delicate fish pies. Known for its flaky texture and mild flavour, whiting is a great alternative to more traditional white fish and can easily absorb the flavours of accompanying ingredients, making it suitable for a variety of dishes, from classic fish and chips to elegant fish tacos.

This time of year also showcases Dover Sole and Lemon Sole, both of which are at their peak. These flatfish are celebrated for their subtle, sweet flavours and delicate flesh, making them ideal for light dishes. Chefs often prepare them simply to highlight their natural taste, perhaps pan-fried with a touch of butter and a sprinkle of herbs or served with a refreshing citrus sauce. Their versatility allows them to be incorporated into both fine dining menus and everyday specials.

For those looking to introduce bolder flavours, Red Mullet and Grey Mullet are superb choices. Known for their firm texture and robust taste, they are perfect for grilling or baking, allowing for charred, smoky flavours to develop. These fish are ideal for Mediterranean-inspired dishes, such as grilled fillets served with roasted vegetables or in a fragrant seafood stew that captures the essence of coastal cuisine. The vibrant pink flesh of red mullet adds visual appeal to any plate, making it a favourite among kitchens aiming to create striking presentations.

Gurnard, often overlooked, is another gem of the season. Its distinctive flavour and meaty texture make it an excellent choice for hearty stews, broths, or even as a grilled fillet. Gurnard’s ability to hold up well in various cooking methods allows chefs to experiment, whether they are crafting a warming winter soup or a refined seafood dish that showcases the fish’s unique qualities.

As the colder weather settles in, look out for locally caught Scallops, a true highlight for seafood lovers. These fresh scallops offer a sweet, tender flavour. Local fishermen work diligently to ensure that only the freshest catch reaches your kitchen. Scallops can be served simply with a squeeze of lemon, seared to perfection, or included in more complex dishes such as scallop ceviche or pasta with scallop cream sauce, providing an indulgent touch to any menu.

Fresh Produce Highlights:

November ushers in some beautifully seasonal vegetables that are ideal for heartier, comfort dishes. Red Cabbage is in abundant supply, bringing vibrant colour and flavour when paired with spices, Apples, or dried fruits, and perfect for homemade slaws. Cavolo Nero is also in season, providing a quick-cooking and economical way to bulk up hearty dishes with its slightly sweet flavour.

Rainbow Chard is another seasonal star, offering vibrant colours and an accessibly zero-waste product in your kitchen, as the entire vegetable can be easily used. However, similarly, Carrots are abundant at this time of the year and can also be used in their entirety. Utilising the stems in some slaw, or salad to add a different texture is a favourite of ours.

As with every season, we say goodbye to some UK grown products. The UK season for Salad has pretty much come to a close, the smaller specialist producers aside, most salad products and Tomatoes will be imported from Spain and Morocco.

However, recent extreme flooding in Spain has severely impacted key agricultural regions just as the new crop season was set to begin. Some areas in Valencia, one of the main citrus-growing regions, experienced a year’s worth of rain in only eight hours! This unprecedented rainfall poses a serious risk to the citrus crop, with the potential for significant disruption to supply in the coming months.

Further south, where salad crops are grown, rain has been less severe but still substantial. This may impact crop quality, and logistics will also be challenging as transportation routes are disrupted by floodwaters. With transport delays and potential crop damage likely, we’ll continue to monitor the situation closely and update on any impacts to availability or pricing.We say goodbye to home-grown British summer fruits such as Strawberries, Raspberries and Blueberries, as the season has now ended, and we will be importing most of the items from the continent. However, we would encourage you to look at selecting some more seasonal items to showcase on your deserts such as Apples, Pears, or even Quince.

Apples get a bad reputation for being “boring”, but they are anything but! There are so many varieties of British Apples, so have some fun with it. Why not try some of these seasonal varieties in your next order – Rubens, Royal Gala, Evelina, Cox, Bramley or even the sweet and nutty Egremont Russet. Just chat with our team or your supply partner for more information.

British Plums are also a must have this November. They are beautifully in season and in abundance, so be sure to treat your clients to some of the classic winter fruit this month.

Our team is always here for any questions or queries you may have about any of the information in this report.

Email: hello@unitedfresh.co.uk