Marks & Spencer (M&S) has strengthened its commitment to local sourcing and exceptional quality by expanding its partnership with County Armagh-based Gilfresh Produce to supply Irish parsnips to M&S stores across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
This milestone reinforces M&S’s long-standing support for local farmers, while delivering outstanding flavour and freshness to customers across the island.
Sown in May and nurtured for six months before harvest, Gilfresh’s parsnips are grown to the highest standards, ensuring a naturally sweet flavour and rich, earthy texture. Now available across all 22 M&S stores in Northern Ireland and 16 in the Republic of Ireland, these parsnips showcase the best of Irish farming expertise and care.
William Gilpin, Managing Director at Gilfresh Produce, added: “Supplying locally grown parsnips to M&S stores across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is an important next step in our long-standing partnership. Our shared commitment to quality and innovation has been key to making this possible. We are proud to grow produce that not only tastes exceptional but is also farmed in a way that protects and enhances our environment for future generations.”
In addition to supplying fresh produce directly to M&S stores, Gilfresh also works with fellow Northern Ireland producer, Avondale Foods, providing carrots, white and red onions and broccoli for M&S-branded wet salads – further strengthening the local supply chain and supporting jobs across the region.
Shaun Doherty, Senior Agronomist at Marks & Spencer, said: “Expanding our partnership with Gilfresh Produce to offer locally grown parsnips across the island of Ireland is an exciting step forward. At M&S, we are passionate about supporting rural economies, championing sustainable farming practices and delivering the best quality produce to our customers.”
