April 2026 - Market Report

It’s a tough climate to be managing a kitchen right now, but a bit of forward planning can take the sting out of these price hikes. Here is a breakdown of what’s happening in the markets this April and how to keep your margins in check without sacrificing quality.

What to Avoid....

While we often think of fruit and veg as natural products, their price is heavily tied to the cost of energy. Recent surges in fuel prices have created a 'triple threat' for the agricultural sector: higher costs to power irrigation and farm machinery, increased expenses for natural-gas-based fertilizers, and steeper logistics fees to move fresh produce from farms to store shelves. These overheads are currently being passed through the supply chain to the consumer.

Peppers

The market remains at a critical level with a significant risk of ongoing shortages. As we transition into the Dutch and Belgian seasons, availability continues to be limited; however, the quality of the incoming produce is exceptionally high. Given the current supply constraints, expect sustained upward pressure on pricing to continue.

All Tomatoes

Ongoing severe weather in Spain has devastated local infrastructure, shredding polytunnels and halting production. Meanwhile, sourcing alternatives from other countries has become cost-prohibitive, leading to significant supply gaps.

Leafy Greens

Supply is highly volatile with variable quality across the board. Similar to the broccoli crops, many fields have become waterlogged due to heavy rainfall, causing root stress and disrupting planting programmes. Recent transit delays through France have added further pressure, leading to shorter shelf lives and inconsistent stock levels.

Broccoli

Supply is currently tight and so prices are very high. Fields became severely waterlogged over the holiday period, disrupting the planting of new crops and creating a three-to-four-week production gap. Expect limited availability and increased costs as a result.

Poultry & Eggs

The sector is grappling with significantly higher production costs, particularly for feed and energy, which has led many farmers to reduce flock sizes or exit the industry entirely. Furthermore, ongoing concerns regarding Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) continue to disrupt supply chains, necessitating strict biosecurity measures and, in some cases, mandatory housing orders. These factors, combined with a sharp rise in consumer demand, have resulted in intermittent shelf gaps and upward pressure on retail prices.

What to use.... When the market gets this choppy, you need ingredients that won’t sabotage your GP or vanish off the manifest. Think of these as your "anchor" items—the reliable, steady-value staples that keep your menu profitable while the fresh market finds its feet.

Root Veg (Potatoes, Carrots, Onions)

These are your best friends right now. UK supply is solid and prices are flat. They are the most dependable items on your order sheet to help pad out plates and keep your food costs under control.

The Pantry Staples

With a global oversupply of wheat and grains, prices for pasta, rice, and flour are holding steady. They are effectively your best insurance policy against the current wave of inflation.

Early UK Asparagus

It’s just starting to come in, and it’s a brilliant way to signal "Spring" on your menu. While the price is still at a premium, the quality is high, and it provides that much-needed freshness that your customers are looking for without the price-tag volatility of imported Mediterranean greens.

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