Marks & Spencer has this week launched the final phase of its Farm to Foodhall campaign, showcasing a family-run mushroom farm in Monaghan.
The campaign captures M&S Food Ambassador Mark Moriarty’s visit to the 43-year-old family business based in Tyholland, Co. Monaghan, which employs 820 people across Ireland.
The farm is renowned for its commitment to quality mushrooms.
Supply chain and procurement director Adam Wilson reveals to Moriarty that the secret to producing their delicious mushrooms lies in a unique substrate mix, crafted with the perfect balance of nutrients and moisture.
The vitamin D and B6 chestnut mushrooms that are exclusive to M&S, for example, contain four times the level of B6 than regular mushrooms.
Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function, making them a nutritious choice for M&S customer seeking both flavour and health benefits.
Wilson also explains the ‘one-touch’ principle that his team operates by to ensure freshness for customers.
Once the mushrooms are hand-picked at the farm, they are not touched again until they are in the hands of M&S customers.
Wilson says they want customers to know their mushrooms are not only fresh and high-quality, but they are produced the correct way.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a core focus shared by both M&S and Wilson.
The mushroom farm pioneered the use of eco-friendly cardboard punnets, making this sustainable packaging mainstream in March 2021.
The farm aims to reduce their carbon footprint by over 50% by 2030.
As well as this, they have committed to achieving net zero by 2040 along with M&S.
As verified members of Bord Bia’s Origin Green programme, they are dedicated to producing nutritious food sustainably while protecting the environment for future generations.
The Farm to Foodhall campaign highlights some of the exceptional farmers and producers across Ireland who support high-quality food to M&S.
‘Hard Work And Dedication’
Commenting on the campaign, the trading director for M&S Ireland and Northern Ireland Laura Harper said, “Our Farm to Foodhall campaign continues to champion the incredible work of our M&S Select Farms and producers in Ireland.
“Previously we have visited our Dublin-based bakery which spends 30 hours on each loaf of sourdough, our farmers in Co. Mayo who supply the best-in-season lamb, and our brilliant Dublin berry supplier.
“Now we’re heading to Co. Monaghan for the final phase of our Farm to Foodhall campaign to show our customers the quality work behind our locally sourced Irish products.
“M&S mushrooms are produced with nutrition, taste and freshness, our vitamin D and B6 chestnut mushrooms are not only tasty but also contain four times the level of B6 than regular mushrooms.
“For ingredients that taste delicious, promote nutrition and support local producers, head to your local M&S.”
Moriarty added, “It was incredible to explore Adam [Wilson]’s family farm in Monaghan and see the hard work and dedication that goes into their produce.
“M&S is my go-to store for purchasing ingredients and it’s brilliant to know that shopping there supports top-quality Irish producers.”
For more information about Farm to Foodhall, visit www.marksandspencer.com/ie/c/food/from-farm-to-foodhall
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