Marks & Spencer is facing significant criticism from shoppers after launching a new Spanish bread product with a premium price tag that has left many customers demanding justification.
Customer Outcry Over Premium Bread
The retail giant has introduced Pan de Cristal, a traditional Catalan bread, retailing for £4.50 for just two slices. The product description from M&S promotes it as "a light, crisp bread perfect for toasting and topping with our crushed tomato bread topper."
However, the recommended tomato accompaniment - a 250ml puree of tomato, olive oil and salt - costs an additional £2.65, bringing the total cost for the complete serving suggestion to more than £7.
Social Media and Industry Reaction
Shoppers have taken to social media to express their disbelief at the pricing. One Instagram user directly questioned: "What in the hell is this £4 half piece of baguette about?"
Another comment highlighted the price disparity, noting: "The joke is, you get this in Spain for €2 [approximately £1.80]."
The criticism extends beyond social media, with Chris Young from the Real Bread Campaign telling the Telegraph that M&S should justify the cost "given the economies of the enormous scale at which even supposedly 'artisan' supermarket loaves are manufactured."
Young pointed out that the price point falls within the "ballpark that small independents need to charge in order to remain financially viable," while questioning whether the same justification applies to a supermarket giant.
M&S Defends Premium Product
In response to the backlash, an M&S spokesperson defended the company's pricing strategy, stating that the brand offers "a broad range of products at different price points," including 75p loaves and 80p half-baguettes.
The spokesperson elaborated: "Our tapas-style Spanish Pan de Cristal is made with restaurant-quality ingredients including Spanish-made bread from the Catalan region and extra virgin olive oil."
They emphasized that the product caters to customers seeking different experiences, "from a weekday breakfast with the family to serving friends restaurant-quality tapas at home."
The retailer also confirmed that despite the controversy, the product has been "very popular" with customers. M&S operates stores nationwide, including prominent locations in Birmingham's Bullring and Grand Central shopping centres.
