Direct Trading of Fresh Produce
Buying and selling fresh fruit and vegetables for the UK market
Produce Market Ltd offers direct trading for fresh fruit and vegetables where a more immediate, transactional approach is required. In this model, we purchase product outright and supply it into the UK market, managing pricing, sales and delivery directly. This allows for speed, flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to changing market conditions.
Direct Trading
Agreed Terms Upfront
We Buy Outright
Clean & Simple
Quality Standards Apply
No Ongoing Reporting
Fast Route to Market
Direct Trading
Agreed Terms Upfront
We Buy Outright
Clean & Simple
Quality Standards Apply
No Ongoing Reporting
Fast Route to Market
DIrect Trading
Supply product. We buy it. Clean and simple.
Direct trading is our most straightforward supply model. You agree commercial terms with us upfront, supply the product to the agreed specification and we purchase it outright and sell it into the UK market ourselves. No ongoing reporting obligations, no representation structure — a clean commercial transaction at agreed terms.
structure
Outright purchase at agreed terms
OWnership
Transfers to Produce Market on purchase
reporting
Clean transaction — no ongoing returns
Standards
Quality and specification apply throughout
Commercial Terms
Commercial Terms and Considerations
Direct trading operates on a different commercial basis compared to structured supply models. As Produce Market takes ownership of the product, transactions are managed on standard trading terms, which may include extended payment cycles depending on the nature of the supply and the buyer channel.
In many cases, payment is made on a 45 days end-of-month basis, reflecting typical wholesale market conditions.
While this model provides flexibility and speed, it does not offer the same level of predictability, visibility or alignment as programme supply or grower representation.
The direct trading model
A Transactional Supply Model
Direct trading is the most transactional of our three sourcing models — but transactional does not mean without standards. Quality, communication and commercial integrity apply in every arrangement we enter.
In a direct trading arrangement, the commercial relationship is straightforward. We agree the price, specification, volumes and delivery terms with you upfront. You supply to those terms. We buy the product outright, take on the commercial risk and sell it into the UK market through our own buyer relationships.
Once the product is purchased and payment has been made, the transaction is complete on your side. You do not receive ongoing market reporting, buyer feedback or quality updates — those are features of our representation and commission sales models. Direct trading is designed for suppliers who want a clean, defined commercial arrangement without the additional structure of those models.
We are clear about one thing: the simplicity of the arrangement does not lower our expectations on quality, specification or communication. Every supplier we trade with directly is expected to deliver what they have agreed to deliver, in the condition and specification agreed, at the time agreed. That standard applies regardless of the model.
A clean, defined process from agreement to payment
How direct trading works
Four straightforward steps — agreed terms, supply, purchase and completion. No complexity, no ambiguity.
Terms are agreed upfront
Before any product moves, we agree the commercial terms clearly — price per unit, product specification, packaging requirements, volumes and delivery logistics. Everything is agreed in writing before supply begins. There are no verbal understandings or ambiguous arrangements — the terms that govern the transaction are clear and documented from the outset.
Supply to agreed specification
You supply the product in the specification, packaging and volumes agreed. We expect what was agreed — not an approximation of it. If there is a change in availability, specification or timing on your side, we need to know promptly so we can manage our UK buyer commitments accordingly. Clear, early communication when things change is a baseline expectation in every arrangement we enter.
We purchase outright
We buy the product from you at the agreed price. Ownership transfers to Produce Market on purchase. We take on the commercial risk from this point — the product is ours to sell, and we manage the onward sale through our own buyer relationships and market knowledge. Payment to you follows the terms agreed at the outset of the arrangement.
Transaction complete
Once purchased and paid, the transaction is complete on your side. You receive no ongoing reporting on how the product performed in the UK market — that is part of the simplicity of the direct trading model. If the arrangement works well for both sides and volumes are consistent, direct trading can develop into a regular supply relationship over time.
Standards still apply
Transactional does not mean without standards.
Direct trading is our most transactional model — but every supplier we trade with directly is held to the same commercial and quality standards that apply across all three of our sourcing models. Simplicity of arrangement does not mean reduced expectations.
We have built our reputation in the UK market on the quality and consistency of the product we bring to buyers. That reputation depends on every supplier we work with — regardless of the model — meeting the standards our buyers expect. We will not compromise on that to close a transaction.
Quality to agreed specification
We have built our reputation in the UK market on the quality and consistency of the product we bring to buyers. That reputation depends on every supplier we work with — regardless of the model — meeting the standards our buyers expect. We will not compromise on that to close a transaction.
Certification where required
We have built our reputation in the UK market on the quality and consistency of the product we bring to buyers. That reputation depends on every supplier we work with — regardless of the model — meeting the standards our buyers expect. We will not compromise on that to close a transaction.
Packaging and labelling
Packaging must meet the standard agreed and, where applicable, UK market requirements. Incorrect or non-compliant packaging creates problems at the buyer end that reflect directly on us — and indirectly on our future willingness to trade with a supplier.
Communication when things change
If availability, timing or specification changes after terms have been agreed, we need to know immediately. Prompt communication when something changes is a basic commercial expectation — it allows us to manage our commitments to buyers and handle the situation professionally rather than reactively.
When direct trading is the right model.
Who direct trading suits
Direct trading is the most transactional of our three models and suits specific situations. It is not always the best fit — but when it is, it works cleanly and efficiently for both sides.
Established suppliers with defined product
You have a clear, consistent product, a defined specification and the operational reliability to supply to agreed terms. You want a straightforward commercial arrangement without the structure of an ongoing representation relationship.
Surplus or seasonal volumes
You have volumes available that sit outside your primary commercial arrangements — surplus production, seasonal peaks or product that has become available at short notice. Direct trading gives you a fast, clean route to market without additional commercial complexity.
Suppliers not suited to representation
Not every grower or supplier is at the stage where full representation or commission sales is the right fit. Direct trading provides a route to UK market access for suppliers who have quality product but are not yet ready for — or interested in — a more structured ongoing commercial model.
Clear, Transparent and Accountable
How Account Sales Works
Every direct trading arrangement is governed by terms agreed clearly before supply begins. There are no ambiguities and no verbal understandings — everything that matters commercially is documented in writing and agreed by both sides before product moves.
The terms of a direct trading arrangement are specific to each transaction. Price, volumes, specification, packaging, timing and logistics are all agreed on the basis of the product available, the current UK market conditions and the practical requirements of the supply. We do not apply a standard template — we agree what makes commercial sense for that specific arrangement.
OUR REQUIREMENTS
Purchase Price
Agreed per unit or per carton before supply. Fixed at the point of agreement — no post-supply renegotiation.
Produce Specification
Grade, size, variety, quality standard and any specific requirements agreed in writing.
Packaging
Carton size, labelling and pack format agreed to meet UK market requirements.
Volumes
Agreed volume per shipment. Changes to volume require prompt notification.
Delivery Terms
Logistics, timing and delivery point agreed before supply commences.
Payment Terms
Payment timeline agreed at outset. Payment follows receipt and quality confirmation.
Common questions
Direct Trading FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about how commission sales works, who it suits and how it compares to grower representation
What is the difference between direct trading and commission sales?
Commission SalesIn direct trading we buy your product outright at agreed terms. Ownership transfers to us on purchase and you receive no ongoing market reporting. In commission sales we sell your product on your behalf, you retain ownership until the point of sale and we return a full account of every transaction. Direct trading is cleaner and simpler; commission sales gives you more visibility of how your product is performing in the market.
Do I retain any involvement after supplying the product?
How We WorkNo. Once the product has been purchased and paid for, the transaction is complete on your side. We take ownership, manage the onward sale and handle all buyer relationships ourselves. You will not receive reporting on how the product sold or at what price — that level of transparency is a feature of our representation and commission sales models.
How is the purchase price determined?
Get In TouchThe purchase price is agreed upfront based on the product, its specification, current UK market conditions and available volumes. It is fixed at the point of agreement — we do not renegotiate after product has been supplied. We aim to agree pricing that is commercially fair to both sides and reflects the genuine market value of what is being supplied.
Can direct trading develop into a longer-term arrangement?
Representation ModelYes. If direct trading works well for both sides — consistent quality, reliable supply and clean commercial execution — it can develop into a regular supply relationship over time. It can also lead to a conversation about commission sales or representation if the grower's situation and commercial objectives develop in that direction. We are open to that conversation whenever it makes sense.
Is direct trading suitable for first-time UK suppliers?
Get In TouchIt can be, provided you have a clear product, a reliable operation and the export capability to supply to agreed terms. Direct trading is actually a lower-risk starting point for suppliers who are new to the UK market — the arrangement is simple, the terms are clear and there is no long-term commitment on either side. If the first transaction goes well, there is a natural basis for further supply.