M&S Food has made significant strides in product development, driven by a commitment to innovation that has seen an impressive 8.1% rise in food sales during the first half of 2024.
Marie Ford, the product development manager at M&S Food, is at the forefront of this innovation wave. Her team is responsible for the development of convenience meals, including global and traditional dishes, as well as pizzas, snacks, and soups. Through collaboration with suppliers, they seek to identify trends and create products that satisfy customer needs. The essence of M&S Food is innovation, constantly pushing to create ‘the next big thing.’
Ford draws inspiration from a variety of sources, notably through extensive travel and dining experiences, as well as the influential role of social media. This platform not only highlights consumer preferences but also showcases industry trends, which are pivotal in shaping new food developments. The virality of M&S products such as the Big Daddy chocolate bar and Chicken Caesar Dip underscores this influence.
When selecting categories for innovation, M&S adopts a philosophy of ‘positive dissatisfaction,’ always seeking improvement. Their focus zeroes in on two areas: quality and innovation. This year, they are set to upgrade 1,000 products, with enhancements such as caramelised sugar in mince pies and double-wrapped pigs in blankets, embodying their commitment to quality.
Innovation is deeply ingrained in M&S’s DNA, with the launch of 1,400 new products this year alone. The Christmas range is a particular highlight, featuring innovative ideas like the white mulled wine inspired from Germany and unique creations such as the Caramel Almond Muddles and Peppermint Bark, made in Somerset. A standout is the Christmas sando, merging traditional festive flavours with novel components.
M&S also reintroduced its Indian Meals and Gastropub ranges, marking significant transformation projects. Collaborating with renowned chef Tom Kerridge has brought market-leading recipes into the Gastropub range, allowing customers to enjoy restaurant-quality dishes at home.
Quality assurance is paramount for M&S, with rigorous standards for sourcing materials and understanding product components to enhance flavour. The redevelopment of the Indian range involved traditional recipes and cooking techniques from various regions, ensuring authenticity and depth of flavour.
M&S’s approach to launching new ranges is immersive, involving detailed research, such as exploring restaurants in Naples for their Collection pizza range. The emphasis on superior sourcing and raw materials ensures M&S remains ahead of the competition, maintaining unique and high-quality flavours.
Looking forward, Ford anticipates trends such as the hot and sweet flavour combination to gain prominence, alongside comforting mashups becoming popular on platforms like TikTok.
M&S Food’s unwavering focus on innovation and quality places it as a leader in the food retail sector. The commitment to consumer satisfaction through unique and high-quality products continues to set M&S apart in a competitive market.
