Foodservice fresh produce supplier Fresh Direct has launched a ‘Summer Picks 2026’ range, featuring a lineup of peak-season British crops.
The range includes vertically farmed salad leaves, premium Isle of Wight tomatoes, Jersey Royals, summer berries and an expanded selection of microgreens.
Fresh Direct has expanded its partnership with vertical farm operator GrowUp Farms to introduce pesticide-free ready-to-use salad mixes grown using 100% renewable energy. New additions include the Unbeleafable Baby Garlic Kale Mix and Mixed Baby Leaf.
Isle of Wight beef, coeur de boeuf, heirloom and mixed baby plum tomato varieties will be returning for the British season. Fresh Direct has paired the range with chef-led recipes to position tomatoes as “hero ingredients” for summer menus.
Through the Sysco-owned wholesaler’s partnership with grower Westlands, Fresh Direct will be offering a broader choice of microgreens, such as Micro Broccoli Leaf, Micro Red Amaranth and the Shoot Mix. These are highlighted in the Summer Picks brochure as a “simple way to premiumise dishes”.
The Summer Picks collection also looks to mark the return of key British seasonal crops including Jersey Royals, rhubarb, berries and new portabellini mushrooms.
“Our Summer Picks 2026 range is designed to empower chefs with the freshest, most sustainable British produce, helping them create menus that truly celebrate the season’s best,” said Fresh Direct MD Andy Pembroke.
“We’re proud to support operators in delivering exceptional quality and flavour while championing environmental responsibility.”
It comes after Fresh Direct achieved its pledge to source all contracted British produce from Leaf Marque accredited growers in January.
Achieving Leaf standards ensures Fresh Direct’s growers are independently verified against a whole-farm sustainability standard, driving improvements in soil health, biodiversity, water and energy management to deliver more responsibly grown British produce.
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