The Produce Report – October 2026

What's in season. What's changing. What's worth knowing.

As we move into autumn, seasonal supply is changing across a range of fresh produce. Spanish citrus, broccoli and salad crops are moving into new-season supply, while round tomatoes remain challenging. We’ll also see gaps in peaches, nectarines and cherries before new-season supply arrives.

Pumpkins and a fantastic selection of squashes offer plenty of opportunities for seasonal menus, bringing colour, variety and flavour to autumn dishes.

Fruit: What’s Changing?

Citrus transitions, stone fruit gaps and the latest on berries.

Key takeaways:

• Spanish citrus season is approaching.
• Gaps are expected in stone fruits and cherries.
• European raspberries are bridging supply.

Citrus | New Season

Lemons

The transition to the new Spanish season is approaching, with the first arrivals expected towards the end of October.

Oranges

South African Valencias will remain available throughout October, while early Spanish oranges are expected to increase as the European season begins.

Easy Peelers

South African Nadorcotts will continue throughout October, alongside growing volumes of early new-season Spanish mandarins and clementines.

Stone Fruits | Supply Gap

Peaches and Nectarines

The Spanish season is coming to an end. We will see a gap in supply until South African produce is available.

Cherries

The Canadian and US seasons finished earlier this year. Early South African varieties are expected in late October.

Berries | Imported Supply

Raspberries

The UK season finished earlier than expected this year. European product is helping to cover the shortfall until the Moroccan season is fully underway.

Pomegranates

The Spanish season is now underway, with good availability expected through October.

Vegetables: The October Outlook

The key availability changes to keep on your radar.

Key takeaways:

• UK broccoli is finishing.
• Courgettes are now Spanish.
• Tomatoes remain challenging.
• Salad lines are moving to French or Spanish supply.

Broccoli

UK supply is expected to wind down towards late October, transitioning to Spanish supply.

Tenderstem

Availability is expected to level off after September’s higher volumes, with imports starting.

Round Tomatoes

Summer heatwaves have reduced yields and caused continued price volatility. Round tomatoes remain challenging, so availability and pricing are worth keeping an eye on.

Courgettes

The UK season has finished and supply has transitioned to Spain.

Potatoes

We’re expecting more updates on availability as this year’s crop is moved into storage.

Salads

UK Rosso, Oakleaf and Biondi will be finishing this week, and we will move over to French or Spanish supply. Radicchio will continue through until the end of October.

In Season & On The Menu!

Make the most of autumn’s colour, variety and flavour.

Squash Takes Centre Stage

Crown Prince, Red Onion, Kabocha, Harlequin, Gem, Spaghetti, Acorn and Sweet Lightning squashes are all available this month, alongside ornamental gourds.

With their variety of flavours, textures and striking colours, squashes are a brilliant way to add seasonal interest to your menus.

Pumpkins Are Here

Pumpkins are now available in both small and medium sizes, perfect for autumn specials, soups, roasting and seasonal displays.

Menu Inspiration

Looking for ways to make the most of seasonal squash? Here are three ideas to inspire your autumn menus:

• Roast Crown Prince squash with brown butter, sage and toasted hazelnuts.
• Use Spaghetti squash as a lighter alternative in seasonal dishes.
• Try roasted Acorn squash with warming spices and whipped feta.

Looking Ahead

With several growing seasons drawing to a close and imported produce coming through, availability and origins will continue to change over the coming weeks.

Speak to your Account Manager for the latest availability, product recommendations or help planning your next menu.