Recent stormy weather could push up food costs

The wet and stormy weather at the start of 2026 could delay spring produce and push up food costs, hospitality purchasing specialist Lynx Purchasing has warned.

“There was a widespread freeze across the UK at the start of January,” said 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.”

Areas flagged in the latest Spring 2026 edition of Lynx Purchasing’s Market Forecast include beef and lamb, with demand outpacing supply; fish like smaller cod and haddock fillets, with prices increasing as operators compensate for higher costs; and vegetables, with wet weather and poor light at the start of 2026 slightly delaying the growing season in the UK and Europe.

Dobson added: “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 is some high-quality produce still in storage.

“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.”