Exclusive Marks & Spencer deal for Pembrokeshire potato grower

A family-owned Pembrokeshire farm is to supply Maris Peer potatoes to Marks &Spencer stores across Wales.

Last week, the 40-strong Yorkshire pea growers group, Swaythorpe Growers, signed a similar deal with Tesco.

Under the M&S arrangement, James Morris of St David’s will produce the potatoes exclusively for the retailer through the July-August season.

The contract has been arranged through Puffin Produce, the majority farmer-owned packing/marketing operation. Puffin commercial manager Philip Tonks said in this particular case, the price had been agreed with the grower before planting – although several pricing permutations might be used for different supply arrangements.

Hugh Mowat, M&S technical manager, said it was planned to examine how this type of exclusive supply arrangement could be expanded.

He added his company preferred to deal with long standing suppliers who understood the M&S aims and requirements.