How Produce Market Supplies Fresh Produce

A Structured Approach to Fresh Produce Supply

Produce Market works with growers, exporters, suppliers and UK buyers through several commercial models. From direct trading to commission sales and market representation, we structure each relationship around the product, market opportunity and requirements of both sides.

3 Sourcing Models

Transparent Pricing

Fixed 8% Commission

No Hidden Margins

Grower Representation

Commission Sales

Direct Trading

3 Sourcing Models

Transparent Pricing

Fixed 8% Commission

No Hidden Margins

Grower Representation

Commission Sales

Direct Trading

OUR COMMERCIAL MODELS

Three ways we source fresh produce for the UK market

Working with Growers & Suppliers

A commercial model built around the opportunity

Different products and markets require different commercial approaches. Produce Market works through representation, commission sales and direct trading, allowing us to choose the model that best fits the product, supplier and UK market opportunity.

We do not apply the same trading structure to every supplier or product. Each opportunity is assessed around availability, volumes, specification, pricing, market demand and the level of involvement required from Produce Market.

This gives growers and suppliers greater clarity over how their product reaches the UK market while giving buyers a clearer understanding of who is responsible for pricing, quality, logistics and supply.

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3 Sourcing Models

Representation, commission sales and direct trading depending on the opportunity.

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Transparent Pricing

Clear agreement on pricing, responsibilities and the trading model being used.

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Fixed 8% Commission

Where commission sales apply, Produce Market operates on the agreed commission structure.

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No Hidden Margins

Quality, logistics, pricing and customer responsibilities are established before supply begins.

WHY OUR MODEL WORKS

How our sourcing and selling models combine to create a better supply chain

Bringing both sides together

The real strength of the Produce Market model is not any single sourcing or selling approach in isolation — it is the way the two sides combine. When a grower is properly represented in the UK market and a buyer has a structured supply programme in place, the result is a supply chain that is more stable, more transparent and more commercially efficient than anything a standard trading model can produce

Consider the difference. In a conventional trading model, a trader buys product speculatively, takes on all the pricing risk and then sells it wherever they can at whatever margin they can achieve. The grower has no visibility of the end buyer. The buyer has no direct connection to the origin. When something goes wrong — a quality issue, a pricing dispute, a supply gap — there is no real accountability because the relationships are transactional and the interests of each party are not aligned.

In our model, the grower knows exactly where their product is going and at what price. The buyer knows exactly where their product is coming from and what standard it has been grown and packed to. We sit in the middle managing the commercial and logistical complexity — but the relationship is transparent on both sides.

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Transparency

All shipments, prices, and quality reports are communicated clearly to both grower and buyer, with no hidden margins or surprises.

Any shipment issues are reported fully, and we work to resolve them instead of covering them up for short-term gain.

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Communication

Regular communication with growers and buyers builds every supply relationship. We provide proactive updates on availability and pricing, early warnings of supply or quality issues, and prompt responses to queries. Good communication is a baseline requirement for our business.

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Quality Oversight

We actively manage quality in all supply relationships.

For growers, this means regular quality reports, buyer feedback, and transparent shipment assessments.

For buyers, it ensures they receive well-assessed products from origin, not just items passed through a trading desk.

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Accountability

When issues arise in a fresh produce supply chain, accountability and response time are crucial. In our model, we maintain clear accountability to both the grower and buyer, managing issues transparently and promptly while prioritizing long-term relationships.

The difference in practice

Standard Trading vs

The Produce Market Model

Most fresh produce supply operates reactively. Here is what that looks like in practice compared to how we work — and why the difference matters to both growers and buyers.

Conventional

Standard Trading Model

  • Trader buys speculatively and takes on all pricing risk
  • Grower has no visibility of the end buyer or sale price
  • Buyer has no direct connection to the growing origin
  • No accountability when quality issues arise
  • Pricing is reactive and unstable
  • Relationships are transactional with no long-term structure
  • Issues are minimised to protect short-term margins
OUR APPROACH

The Produce Market Model

  • Grower retains ownership — we manage the commercial presence
  • Grower knows exactly where their product is going and at what price
  • Buyer knows the origin, standards and grower behind every shipment
  • Clear accountability to both grower and buyer at all times
  • Fixed, transparent commission with no hidden charges
  • Supply relationships built around long-term alignment
  • Issues reported fully and resolved in the interests of the relationship

HOW WE WORK WITH GROWERS AND EXPORTERS

Three sourcing models

Each model offers a different balance of ownership, commercial responsibility and market involvement. We agree the appropriate structure before trading begins.

Representation

We are nominated by the grower to represent them in the UK market, handling sales, client communication, quality oversight, and shipment reporting. Growers retain full ownership of their product, and our 8% commission covers our services.

Commission Sales

Growers supply products while we market and sell for a commission, ideal for suppliers needing UK sales support without full representation. We uphold the same commercial discipline and market knowledge in commission sales as in representation, mainly differing in relationship depth.

Direct Trading

We buy products from suppliers and sell them in the UK market as both buyer and reseller. This model is used when a commission relationship isn't suitable. In direct trading, we maintain our standards of quality, communication, and integrity.

Need clarity on the model?

How We Work FAQs

Clear answers to the most common questions about how Produce Market sources fresh produce from international growers and supplies it to UK buyers, covering all three sourcing models and all three selling models.

  • What is the difference between grower representation and commission sales?


    Grower representation is a comprehensive model where we manage the full UK commercial presence of a grower on their behalf — including sales, client communication, quality oversight and market reporting. Commission sales is a more focused arrangement where we sell product on behalf of a supplier and take a commission on completed sales. Representation involves a deeper, more structured long-term relationship while commission sales is better suited to suppliers who need active sales support without the full scope of a representation agreement.

    Representation Model

  • What does the 8% commission cover?

    Our 8% representation commission covers the full scope of our UK market representation service — sales management, client communication, quality oversight, shipment reporting, issue resolution and ongoing market intelligence. It is a fixed, transparent fee with no hidden charges or additional costs layered on top.

    Our Representation Mode

  • Can I buy product without committing to a programme?

    Yes. Our open market sales model allows buyers to purchase product at current market pricing without any volume commitment or forward pricing agreement. If you need flexibility, open market buying gives you access to quality product without the structure of a programme.

    View Products

  • What is programmed supply and is it right for my business?

    Programmed supply is a structured buying arrangement where volumes and pricing are agreed in advance for a defined period. It suits buyers who need consistent, reliable supply and want to remove the uncertainty of open market buying. If your business has a predictable and ongoing requirement for fresh produce, a programme is likely to give you better pricing, better availability and a more reliable supply experience.

    Discuss a programme

  • What happens if there is a quality issue with a shipment?

    We take quality issues seriously and manage them transparently. If a shipment arrives with a quality problem we will assess it fully, report back to both the buyer and the grower with a clear, honest account of what has happened and work to resolve the situation promptly. We do not minimise quality issues to protect short-term relationships — transparent reporting is a core part of how we operate

    Logistics & Supply Chain

  • Do you only work with represented growers or can anyone supply you?

    We work with growers and suppliers across all three of our sourcing models — representation, commission sales and direct trading. Not every supplier relationship needs to be a full representation agreement. If you have product available and are looking for UK market sales support we would welcome a conversation about which model suits your situation best.

    Get in Touch

  • How do I know what product is available and at what price?

    For open market product, availability and pricing reflects current market conditions and changes regularly. The best way to stay informed is to get in touch directly and we will advise you on current availability and pricing across the categories you are interested in. For programmed supply, pricing and availability are agreed and fixed at the outset of the programme.

    Request Pricing

  • Is Produce Market a broker, a trader or something else?

    We operate across all three of our sourcing models depending on the relationship — which means we can act as a representative, a commission agent or a direct trader depending on the situation. What distinguishes us from a standard broker or trader is the level of structure, transparency and long-term commitment we bring to every relationship, regardless of the commercial model involved.

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