Marks & Spencer has launched a new salad range that stays fresh for up to five days longer than traditional bagged salads, addressing a common frustration for shoppers. The salads are grown using vertical farming, a controlled environment method that enhances quality and flavor while extending shelf life.
How It Works
The innovative growing technique, known as vertical farming, creates optimal conditions for the salad leaves, allowing them to last significantly longer. Andrew Clappen, M&S Food’s director of technical, said: “The future of food is about finding new and innovative methods which put less pressure on the environment while delivering the best in market flavour and quality.” He added that the vertically grown salads support M&S’s Plan A goal to achieve net zero across its supply chain by 2040.
Partnership with Planet Farms
Planet Farms, the company behind the technology, celebrated the launch as a major milestone. Co-founder and CEO Daniele stated: “After years of close collaboration and joint development with M&S, we are incredibly proud to launch for M&S own-label products nationwide and deliver the UK’s first own-label vertically farmed salad range.” The partnership aims to reduce water consumption dramatically while bringing new flavors to customers.
Other M&S News
This launch comes as M&S discontinues its popular Salt & Vinegar Mayo, a condiment that had been a hit since its 2023 debut. Fans expressed disappointment, with one calling it a “game-changer.” M&S has defended the decision, saying it listens to customer feedback when reviewing future ranges.
