Organics central in drive to expand niche markets Marks and Spencer claimed several "firsts" this week in its drive to enhance its fresh produce image. The new lines include organic Elsanta strawberries, grown by Angus Davison of Herefordshire. Limited volumes of organic cherries from Kent will arrive shortly and dovetail with substantial programmes with Washington growers. Andrew Sharp, produce technologist, also revealed that from May it has been selling organic iceberg grown by its longstanding supplier G's of Cambridge, complementing watercress from Vitacress. Organic carrots are now sourced in the UK for eight months of the year while in conjunction with ADAS at its organic Stonechair Farm at High Mowthorpe, it is growing organic seed potatoes. This will be particularly valuable when the industry has switched to organic seed in the future. Organic vegetables are also under trial. Sharp added that M&S was about to launch a new range of six traditional tomato varieties discovered in France under a new Heirloom brand. These are called Golden Delight, Golden Vine, Pink Jester, Red Peach, Striadel, and Raf. They are now being produced by their UK suppliers and are being trialled in 10 stores from this week. Current conventional and organic varieties are also under the microscope to determine differences in taste and nutritional value. Fruit is being frozen so variations over a whole season's production can be monitored. This year instead of visiting agriculture shows to meet growers and exchange ideas, the multiple will be holding a series of open days. {{M/E FRESH PRODUCE }}

Topics