Q4 2025 food commodity market report: UK, Ireland and Europe
Key Takeaways
Haddock up 69.2% and cod up 30.4% in the UK and Ireland, while dairy categories fell by roughly 30-50% and cocoa fell 30%.
Continental European markets also saw lower cocoa, milk and butter prices, while fish and eggs were rising.
The report links commodity volatility to global supply chain pressure, climate-related production risk and economic factors.
Paul Bloxham, Head of Culinary at Avendra International Europe recommends local and seasonal produce, plant-forward options, alternative proteins and seasonal fruits to balance menu quality and cost.
Suggested H2: Q4 2025 commodity price trends for foodservice and catering
The Q4 2025 Commodity Market Report highlights rising fish prices this quarter, falling dairy and cocoa, and seasonal ingredient opportunities across the UK, Ireland and Continental Europe. Learn practical strategies to manage costs, optimise menus, and leverage winter produce.
Q4 2025 commodity outlook for foodservice operators
Healthcare, hospitality and education operators across the UK, Ireland and Continental Europe continue to face volatility in commodity prices, driven by global supply chain pressures, climate impacts, and ongoing cost-of-living challenges. These market conditions are placing increased pressure on food budgets, menu planning, and operational margins.
Our Q4 2025 Commodity Market Report provides practical, actionable insights for chefs, procurement teams, and foodservice operators. Drawing on impartial research, along with insights from our supply chain and culinary team of experts, the report highlights current market trends, category performance, and strategies to manage costs effectively.
Q4 2025 food commodity prices: UK, Ireland and Continental Europe
Commodity prices continue to fluctuate across these regions. In the UK and Ireland, the most notable movements include:
Haddock: +69.2%
Cod: +30.4%
Dairy(Milk, Cheddar, Butter): -30% to -50%
Cocoa: -30%
In our Continental Europe markets, cocoa prices are also down by 30%, while milk and butter have decreased quarter over quarter. Fish, including cod, salmon, and tuna, are rising, alongside eggs, creating both challenges and opportunities for menu planning.
Global supply chain pressures, climate-related production risks, and economic factors continue to drive volatility, making proactive procurement and menu strategy critical.
Winter menu planning: seasonal ingredients to manage food costs
Prioritise Local & Seasonal: Use root vegetables, brassicas, and winter fruits to enhance flavour and reduce transport costs.
Plant-Forward Options: Root vegetables and brassicas are ideal for vegetarian or vegan dishes.
Explore Game & Alternative Proteins: Pheasant, venison, duck, and guinea fowl add variety and sustainable sourcing opportunities.
Seasonal Fruits: Clementines, blood oranges, pears, and apples can be incorporated into desserts, sauces, salads, and baked goods.
Balance Flavours & Costs: Combine seasonal vegetables, affordable cuts of meat, and sustainable seafood to keep menus profitable and appealing.
By working with seasonal ingredients, operators can maintain menu quality, control costs, and support sustainable sourcing.
Download the Q4 2025 Commodity Market Report
Download the full Q4 2025 Commodity Market Report for detailed market updates, category trends, and winter menu planning insights to optimise costs and showcase seasonal ingredients.
Procurement support for managing food price volatility
If you need procurement support to help navigate rising costs, get in touch with our expert team: hello_UK@avendra.com
FAQs
What food commodity trends were highlighted in Q4 2025?
The Q4 2025 page highlighted sharply higher fish prices, including haddock and cod, alongside lower dairy and cocoa pricing in the UK and Ireland. Similar easing in cocoa and dairy was noted in Continental Europe, while fish and eggs remained under pressure.
How can seasonal menu planning help manage food costs?
Seasonal planning can help operators make greater use of ingredients that are more available at that time of year. This report highlights root vegetables, brassicas, winter fruits and selected alternative proteins as practical winter options.
How can Avendra International help operators respond to commodity volatility?
Avendra International combines procurement expertise, supply chain insight and culinary guidance to help operators understand price movement, review sourcing choices and manage purchasing and menu decisions.
Can Avendra International help improve food procurement cost visibility?
Avendra International supports organisations with procurement solutions and technology that can improve visibility over purchasing and spend, helping teams identify cost pressures and make more informed decisions.
