Lychee

What is Lychee?

Lychee, a small tropical fruit with rough red skin and sweet, fragrant, translucent flesh around a single stone.

Served fresh as a dessert fruit, in fruit salads and sorbets, and behind the bar in cocktails and spritzes.

Lychee wholesale price in the UK

As of April 27, 2026, the wholesale quote for lychee in the UK market is about £7.00. Over the past 12 months it's ranged from £7.00 to £15.40, with a typical week landing around £9.27.

Right now it's running below its 12-month average — a solid window to spec a little extra and lock in the rate.

Why the number moves

UK produce moves through the wholesale markets — New Covent Garden and the regional markets — fed by British growers in season and by Spanish, Dutch and other imports out of season. That's why a case rate on lychee can shift week to week.

The yearlong trend has been easing. Buying what's in season is still the most reliable way to keep produce cost in check.

Seasonality in the UK

Imported, with the main fresh season in early summer; available variably through the year by air freight.

Per case or per kilo?

Produce is sold by the case, with a per-kilo rate shown where it helps you compare. Order on the unit that matches your prep so you're not throwing money out on shrink — perishables don't wait.

Bought by the kilo; choose plump fruit with reddish skin and avoid dark, brittle shells which signal age and drying.