The wet and stormy weather at the start of 2026 could delay spring produce and push up food costs as Easter approaches, warns hospitality purchasing specialist Lynx Purchasing.
“There was a widespread freeze across the UK at the start of January,” says Lynx Purchasing managing director Rachel Dobson. “That’s been followed by stormy weather and prolonged rainfall.
“It all combines to make British producers nervous about the impact on both crops and livestock. Produce, from root veg and brassicas to soft fruit and salads, could be delayed and damaged. Equally, the wet weather affects the availability of feed for cattle, while spring lambs are vulnerable to the cold.
“This is all likely to push up the prices hospitality operators should expect to pay as they plan menus for spring and Easter.”
The warning comes as Lynx Purchasing publishes the Spring 2026 edition of its regular Market Forecast. The report uses exclusive insight from the range of suppliers that Lynx works with, as well as official inflation data, to look at food and drink pricing across the coming months.
Dobson adds: “The bad weather hasn’t been confined to the UK, with poor conditions across much of Europe impacting the supply chain. Having said that, it’s early enough in the season for producers to catch up, and 2025 was generally a good year for many crops, so there ls some high-quality produce still in storage.
“Equally, while there are still areas of concern when it comes to rising prices, in general the global inflation trend for many commodity items, such as dairy, wheat, sugar, cocoa and fruit juice, is downwards, all of which is helping to make hospitality food bills start to feel more manageable.”
Areas flagged up in the Spring 2026 Lynx Purchasing Market Forecast include:
- Beef: UK beef prices were the most expensive in the world in 2025. Beef continues to be a premium menu option, as demand outpaces supply. Prices are expected to remain tight across all cuts, and operators should spotlight the high quality and animal welfare standards when promoting British beef.
- Lamb: Lamb is a popular dish for Easter menus, but high demand pushes up prices. Hospitality operators will be in competition with retailers for available supplies as the Easter weekend approaches. Offering slow roast and Mediterranean spiced lamb dishes is a way to make the most of less in-demand cuts.
- Fish: Prices for smaller cod and haddock fillets have increased as operators compensate for higher costs, and lower cod quotas will push prices up further this spring. Cold winter weather means salmon will be smaller and so more expensive, mackerel will cost more until new quotas start May, while higher labour costs have pushed up prices for crab products.
- Vegetables: Wet weather and poor light at the start of 2026 slightly delayed the growing season in the UK and Europe, but colder weather also builds sugar levels in root vegetables including carrots, swede, parsnips and beetroot, adding depth of flavour. Broccoli, kale, and savoy and red cabbage remain good quality menu options, and if the weather is kind UK asparagus and Jersey Royals will be high quality.
Dobson adds: “The Easter weekend, this year at the start of April, traditionally marks an upturn in trade. With supply likely to be volatile, operators should look to the “hero” products, such as a steak or prime fish fillet, which justify their price on menus, and work with suppliers to make the most of changing availability on other produce.”
A free copy of the Spring 2026 edition of the Lynx Purchasing can be downloaded from the website at www.lynxpurchasing.co.uk. A free guide, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Purchasing Teams, is also available on the site.
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About Lynx Purchasing
Lynx Purchasing is one of the UK’s leading independent purchasing companies, specialising in the hospitality, leisure, education, and care home sectors. It manages almost 2,500 accounts, helping operators and organisations buy better, get better prices, and save time and money every day. Lynx Purchasing delivers a bespoke purchasing service that focuses on value, as well as quality and price. Its suppliers are industry leaders across all categories with whom Lynx Purchasing has strong relationships built over many years.
Issued on behalf of: Lynx Purchasing
By: ShielPorter Communications
Further information: John Porter: john@shielporter.com / 07734 054389
Ros Shiel: ros@shielporter.com / 07841 694137