Premium Irish Queens potatoes from a Northern Irish grower have arrived at Marks & Spencer stores across the region, marking a significant moment for local agriculture.
The retailer has partnered with AM Farming in Crossgar, County Down, to supply these distinctive potatoes known for their exceptional floury texture and rich flavour.
For shoppers in Northern Ireland, this collaboration means access to the "freshest, best-tasting local new season Queens potatoes" across the retailer's 23 M&S stores.
The Queens variety, harvested at "optimal" ripeness rather than rushed to market, offers superior taste and quality that reflects the retailer's commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients from local suppliers.
The potato variety holds special significance in Irish culinary tradition, prized for its "unique dry matter content" producing a "fluffy, floury potato bursting with flavour".
These potatoes reach maturity three months ahead of other varieties, offering consumers early access to premium local produce.
Richard Orr, who operates the farm alongside his wife Sharon and their young children Alfie and Mia, represents the fifth generation of his family to cultivate potatoes in the region. His ancestral connection to potato farming extends back to Greyabbey.
M&S
|'We want M&S customers to lift their first bag of Queens and say, Wow'
Queens are harvested and handled entirely on Richard's farm. He harvests the potatoes himself, brushes them to remove excess soil, and packs them on site before they are delivered to M&S stores, meaning no one else touches the potatoes before the customer does.
"M&S require that extra care, quality, and taste in their produce – that's what I'm passionate about," the farmer said.
For Richard, supplying M&S fulfils a boyhood ambition. "The realisation that this is going to be my product on the shelf, with my picture on the bag, is really special. AM stands for Alfie and Mia, so it's something for my children too.
"We want M&S customers to lift their first bag of Queens and say, 'Wow'."
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Senior agronomist at M&S, Shaun Doherty, commented: "This is the ideal location to grow Queens, and Richard’s generational knowledge makes him an expert.
"Queens come into season three months earlier than other varieties, and their light fluffiness makes them so special.
"Richard's produce impressed us from the outset – his ethos, passion, and knowledge are clear. We encourage customers to try these Queens and follow the cooking instructions on the pack to experience their ultimate flavour."
In addition to all 23 M&S locations in Northern Ireland, Richard's Queens potatoes will be stocked in 16 stores across the Republic of Ireland.
In a separate development, M&S recently announced a major change to its clothes shopping experience.
Marking a high street first, the supermarket became the first major British high street retailer to offer a full year's guarantee on children's clothing.
The unprecedented 365-day refund policy covers all children's garments except footwear and accessories, providing parents with complete peace of mind when purchasing wardrobes for growing youngsters.
Kidswear director at M&S, Alexandra Dimitriu, explained: "As a mum myself, I know just how important this is."
The guarantee extends to school uniforms, everyday wear and baby clothing, representing a substantial enhancement from standard retail return periods and demonstrating the retailer's confidence in garment durability.