M&S salad lasts five days longer due to one clever trick

The extended shelf life is thanks to a new vertical farming method that uses less water and no pesticides, which could help households cut down on food waste.

Andrew Clappen, director of technical for M&S Food, said: “The future of food’s about finding new and innovative methods that put less pressure on the environment while delivering the best in market flavour and quality.

“These Collection salads are vertically grown exclusively for Marks and Spencer’s and bring new flavours to our customers with a dramatically reduced water consumption – supporting our Plan A goal to reach net zero by 2040 across our supply chain.”

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Grown in a fully controlled environment, the new salad leaves are harvested using advanced robotics, use up to 96 per cent less water, around 97 per cent less fertiliser, and contain no pesticides.

The environmental controls also allow the salads to be harvested “at the perfect moment for the best quality leaf,” before being packaged within 60 seconds.

This method keeps the leaves fresher for up to five days longer than the average bag of salad.

Three new varieties – Citrus Sorrel Baby Leaves, Spicy Baby Leaves, and Baby Garlic Kale – launch in M&S Food stores this week.

The vertical farming products sit alongside M&S’s Plan A for Farming, a five-year commitment launched last year to help deliver a more sustainable future for food.

Clothing brand sold in M&S announces closure

A fashion retailer stocked by Marks & Spencer has announced it will close down after nearly 10 years in business.

Kitri, known for its bold and contemporary womenswear, made the announcement on social media earlier this week.

Haeni Kim, the brand’s founder, said it was the “only responsible path forward” after “exploring every possible avenue”.

Haeni added the decision to shut “had not come easily”, and described running the brand as “one of the greatest privileges” of her life.

Ms Kim launched the London-based label in 2017.

Following the closure announcement, Kitri has launched an online clearance sale with up to 70 per cent off remaining stock.

In a statement shared online, the company said: “As we begin to wind down operations, we invite you to shop with KITRI one last time – including archive favourites and our final Spring Collection, all at reduced prices. Delivery and returns will continue as normal during this time.

“Thank you for the last nine years and I hope these pieces will continue to bring you joy for years to come.”

The announcement was met with disappointment from customers, who flooded Kitri’s Instagram with messages of support.

One comment read: “Genuinely panicked and heartbroken, I have loved your brand since the very beginning, no dresses for me like yours have.”

Another supporter took to the comments section to say: “I will continue to wear my Kitri pieces with pride and will always be proud to have been a Kitri girl.”

Another user wrote: “No this is tragic! I’m very sorry to read this and sending you a big hug and lots of luck for your next chapter.

“I will continue to wear my Kitri pieces with pride and will always be proud to have been a Kitri girl.”