October Market Information
October is all about comfort, colour and a touch of theatre. The fields are full of rich textures and flavours that bring warmth to the table, while Halloween adds its own playful sparkle. Pumpkins and seasonal squash are arriving in force, ready to be carved, roasted or simmered into soups, and toffee and chocolate apples are lining up to sweeten the season. UK orchards are heavy with apples and pears, filling kitchens with crisp freshness and baking aromas. Roots like parsnips, carrots and cabbage are stepping forward to deliver the earthy, hearty flavours that define autumn. From festive candy apples to the golden flesh of roasted squash, this is a month that’s as much about cosy indulgence as it is about celebrating the harvest.
Dairy:
The dairy market remains steady, with production finally returning back to normal after several years of turbulence. Which we will all be appreciative for. As winter approaches, a small rise in the return price for liquid milk is expected. This adjustment supports farmers as feed costs climb during the colder months, helping to safeguard consistent supply and quality.
Seafood:
October brings prime conditions for native species. Cooler waters improve the quality of shellfish and bivalves, with mussels and clams landing in excellent condition and offering both versatility and value. With most fish now past spawning, autumn is one of the best times for consistent quality across the board.
Whitefish, however, remains under serious pressure. Sanctions on Russian-origin fish continue to disrupt supply, with Russia historically providing nearly half of global whitefish volumes. Further concern has been added by recommendations from ICES and the Joint Russian-Norwegian Arctic Fisheries Working Group to cut Barents Sea cod quotas by 21 percent in 2026. The Scottish White Fish Producers Association has warned this could have a major impact on fleets, markets and consumer access. Prices are already climbing across whitefish as demand outpaces availability. Coley remains one of the best alternatives, delivering excellent value and steadily growing in popularity across Europe. Hake also continues to offer reliability, with firm pricing and consistent quality.
Sea bass and gilthead bream are still tight in supply. Last winter’s cold slowed growth, leaving smaller fish and limited volumes. While prices have now stabilised, they remain high. Bream is a marginally better-value choice than bass, but larger sizes remain scarce.
Salmon is in a healthier place. Stronger biomass and shifts in global trade are supporting steadier pricing after a rocky start to the year. It continues to be one of the most versatile menu staples, equally at home smoked, grilled, cured or roasted. Trout also remains a brilliant alternative, with ChalkStream, loch-reared and sea-reared options all offering chefs provenance, flexibility and value.
Shellfish is a seasonal star. Mussels are in peak condition, highly sustainable with an MCS rating of 1, and perfectly suited to autumn menus from hearty broths to pasta. Native clams are improving week by week in cooler waters, with quality now very reliable. Crab is stable too, though fisheries are reporting increased octopus activity in pots, a reminder of how unpredictable wild stocks can be. The Marine Management Organisation’s Fish Trace Ship campaign is also strengthening confidence in supply chains by improving traceability between UK and EU markets.
Looking ahead, this is the time to secure volumes of native species like monkfish, megrim sole or turbot by freezing down while quality and availability are strong. With winter weather looming and quotas tightening further, building flexibility into menus and spotlighting underused but well-rated species will help balance sustainability, quality and cost.
Fresh Produce:
Halloween dominates October with pumpkins and seasonal squash in full swing, offering chefs both flavour and visual appeal. Alongside carving pumpkins, festive toffee and chocolate apples are ready for menus. Squash varieties including munchkin, spaghetti and globe are all versatile options, perfect for roasting, soups or colourful garnishes.
By the end of the month, the UK broccoli season will wrap up, with Spanish-grown crops ready to take over. Early signs suggest strong volumes and quality from Spain this year. Salads are also transitioning, as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and lettuce move gradually from UK and Dutch fields into Spanish glasshouses.
Closer to home, UK-grown produce is thriving in the cooler weather. Parsnips are beginning to sweeten, carrots remain steady, and savoy cabbage is flourishing. Seasonal squash and pumpkins are at their best, delivering both depth of flavour and seasonal charm. Orchards are laden with fruit: Gala and Bramley apples provide sharpness and sweetness, while pears such as Green and Red Williams, Conference and Nashi are plentiful. Varieties like Decana, Sorbe and Concorde will follow shortly, adding more choice for chefs. Quinces, figs and the final blackberries, damsons and elderberries round off the autumn fruit basket.
Not wanting to let go of the sunshine just yet? Spanish mangoes are also true standout. Unlike South American mangoes, typically harvested underripe and ripened artificially, Spanish Irwin mangoes are picked at peak ripeness, packed and shipped the same day. Limited in volume but unrivalled in flavour, they are juicy, aromatic and ready to eat, a short season worth celebrating.
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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.
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