Weather-related challenges continue to have the greatest impact on the fresh produce market, according to a market review from Fresh Direct, a UK provider of foodservice fresh produce.

As the foodservice market continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, the Fresh Direct Winter Market Review reports that fresh produce continues to grow in importance on operator menus as they look for more natural, plant-based alternatives.

However, macroeconomic events including the ongoing impact of global conflicts affecting production and shipping, coupled with unpredictable weather, continue to cause “significant challenges” to the global produce category.

With these issues affecting supply, the recent trend towards an increase in British produce by foodservice operators has grown, said Fresh Direct. It said it has driven promotion of British in the sector, increasing the number of British producers and lines available. 

Paul Nieduszynski, CEO of foodservice business Sysco GB, said: “Fresh Direct is achieving market-leading levels of product availability against a backdrop of challenging weather conditions impacting crops, and world events affecting global supply chains.

“We’ve been working hard with suppliers to minimise any impact on customers, which we’ve achieved by creating more direct relationships with growers, mitigating risk, and taking greater control of our supply chain. As a result, we’ve been able to keep more produce on the plate for longer.”