A pair of Nottinghamshire strawberry farmers have been featured in Marks and Spencer's latest TV campaign. In the advert, Stephen and Jenny Tasker, of Retford, are seen talking to Tom Kerridge about their red diamond strawberries.
The video was first aired on Friday, June 19, as Tom speaks to the farmers about the lengths they go to in order to deliver the highest quality products. The pair explain that they leave their strawberries to ripen for longer to ensure the sweetest flavour and juiciest strawberry possible, with only the biggest and best strawberries picked for M&S customers.
Their Nottinghamshire farm is powered 100% by green energy, which is generated from an on-site wind turbine, solar power and biomass boiler. Geared towards nature-friendly farming, the Retford Red Diamond growers dedicate at least 10 per cent of their land to wildlife by planting wildflower meadows and wildlife corridors, which provides food for both honeybees and bumblebees.
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Stephen said: "We’re delighted to take part in the latest M&S TV campaign to highlight the magic behind what goes into growing our Red Diamond Strawberries. We are passionate about ensuring they’re the best possible for customers, and hope the campaign shines a light on the uncompromised quality of our produce."
M&S set a target in 2021 that it hopes to be net zero by 2040, a decade ahead of the Government’s UK-wide strategy. Due to this focus on sustainability, they make it a priority to carefully choose their suppliers, such as Stephen and Jenny.
M&S Food Marketing Director, Sharry Cramond, added: “ M&S quality is unbeatable – it’s what sets us apart from the rest and why our customers love to shop with us. That’s thanks to the hard work of our Select Farmers, who go to great lengths every day to deliver the best of the best.
"Our trusted value promise means we’ll never compromise on quality, while still offering customers great value.” As part of the new M&S campaign the Retford farmers were one of six M&S Select Farms featured, with others including Oakham Gold Chicken, RSPCA Assured milk, DNA traceable beef, Collection Sourdough and Collection Single Origin Honey.