In a period marked by remarkable growth in food sales, M&S has continued to revolutionise its offerings, driven by the vision and expertise of its product development manager, Marie Ford. Ford, along with her team, has led the charge in introducing a wide array of innovative products, capturing the imagination of consumers across the UK.
Marie Ford leads the development of convenience meals at M&S, covering everything from pizza to soup. Her role involves closely working with suppliers to identify trends and create products that meet customer needs. The foundation of M&S’s food offering is innovation, and Ford’s team challenges itself daily to create standout products.
The sources of inspiration for new products are diverse. Ford notes that extensive travel and restaurant visits play a crucial role in sparking new ideas. Social media, too, has become an influential tool, providing insights into consumer preferences and trends. The viral success of products like the Big Daddy chocolate bar illustrates the impact of social media on product development.
Innovation at M&S follows a clear strategy. The company aims for continuous improvement, driven by a ‘positive dissatisfaction’ spirit. This approach is encapsulated in their mantra, ‘If in doubt, add quality in,’ which is a guiding principle in product development. Quality and innovation are the twin pillars supporting their commitment to delivering the best products.
The recent redevelopment of product ranges, such as the Gastropub and Indian Meals, speaks to M&S’s commitment to quality and innovation. Collaborations with chefs like Tom Kerridge have brought new perspectives to the product line, leading to exciting new offerings.
When examining the success of new products, the collaboration with Tom Kerridge on the Gastropub range stands out. Ford cites British Beef Cheeks by Tom as a personal favourite, highlighting the dedication to quality and flavour. Moreover, the relaunch of the Indian Meals range has involved intensive work with suppliers to reflect traditional regional recipes.
In terms of product uniqueness, M&S maintains an edge through stringent sourcing and raw material standards. This approach ensures that their products are difficult to replicate by competitors. Ford emphasises that starting with top-quality raw materials, coupled with time and technique, is crucial in crafting superior flavour.
Looking ahead to 2025, Ford predicts that flavour trends will continue to embrace the hot and sweet combinations. Comforting mashups seen on platforms like TikTok might also gain popularity, reflecting the dynamic landscape of food trends.
Marie Ford’s leadership in product development at M&S showcases how innovation and quality can drive success in the competitive food retail sector. Her team’s commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients and embracing new ideas positions M&S at the forefront of the industry, setting the stage for continued excellence in 2025.
