Market Update - September

Welcome to our latest market update. We’ve put this together to show chefs and hospitality managers what’s coming down the line for stock, quality, and prices. Hot weather, drought, and wildfires across the UK and Europe have created a tough summer for growers, putting real pressure on European food production. What to Expect in the Kitchen

Vegetables & Chips: Expect higher prices and tight stock. European potato crops are facing massive shortages due to drought, meaning chips and fresh spuds will cost more and sizing may vary. Fresh greens—especially peas, beans, and spinach—are severely hit by extreme heat across the UK and Europe.

Fruit: Look out for tighter soft fruit and top fruit availability. British strawberry and raspberry seasons have faced pressure from summer heatwaves, while European apple and pear crops are dealing with similar weather stress. Expect shorter English fruit windows and heavier reliance on imported stock, driving up per-kilo prices.

Cheese & Dairy: UK cheese is getting pricier. Drought has cut British milk production, forcing dairy farmers onto winter feed early. Mature, extra mature, and vintage cheddar stocks are tight, pushing prices up. European mozzarella is holding steadier for now.

Flour & Bread: Flour costs will stay high. The UK wheat harvest took a 5-to-15% hit from hot, dry weather. While global stocks exist, transport bottlenecks and Black Sea shipping issues mean prices aren't coming down anytime soon.

Cooking Oils: Markets remain jumpy. Rapeseed and sunflower oil are creeping up in price due to weather and transport headaches. Soybean oil has softened slightly, but overall oil pricing is unpredictable.

Meat: Your best news on the pass. Meat supply is steady and well-balanced. Raw material costs have softened slightly, so you shouldn't see major price spikes on beef, pork, or poultry over the next two to three months. Demand for halal meat—especially for burgers—continues to grow.

Fresh Peas & Beans: The season for fresh runner beans, broad beans, and peas is winding down rapidly after a dry summer. Quality is patchy and prices are inflated; stick to frozen for consistency.

Late Tomatoes & Courgettes: While British outdoor crops are still around, glasshouse costs and late-season weather mean quality will drop and prices will rise as the month progresses.

Best Produce in Season Now

Apples (Early Varieties): Early British varieties like Discovery and Red Windsor are crisp and sweet right now, with Bramleys ready for cooking. Blackberries & Damsons: Peak wild foraging month for blackberries; damsons and plums are superb for desserts, crumbles, and compotes.  

Figs: Fresh UK and European figs are at their absolute best—fragrant and ideal for salads or baking.  

Sweetcorn: Fresh, British-grown cob corn is at peak sweetness this month.

Wild & Cultivated Mushrooms: Ceps, girolles, and field mushrooms are coming into prime condition with early autumn moisture.

Squash & Pumpkin: Early butternut and acorn squashes are arriving, bringing rich flavor and high yields for soups and roasting.

Roots (Beetroot, Carrots, Parsnips): Freshly lifted maincrop roots are tender, naturally sweet, and cheap.

Brassicas (Broccoli, Kale, Cauliflower): Autumn brassicas are coming through strong, offering crisp, tight heads with minimal waste.