U.K. retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) has spelt out its commitment to staying ahead of the game and its need for innovative suppliers offering top quality fruit.

M&S agronomist Hugh Mowat told PMA Fresh Connections Chile delegates last week that 83% of the company's suppliers are offering the company something distinctive.

"We have to think different, we have to think big. We are looking for new products with a unique benefit. We want our suppliers to be innovative or at least embrace innovation."

Delegates heard how M&S had launched selenium-enriched broccoli, spinach and tomatoes in October 2011 following research with Norwich University's food research institute.

The U.K. has low levels of selium which helps the immune system fight against bacterial and viral infections such as the herpes virus, cold sores and shingles as well as combat cancer cells.

Other M&S examples of new technology included putting palladium paper in strawberry and soft fruit punnets, which absorbs the decay-enducing chemical ethylene, extending the shelf-life of the fruit by another two days.

Another new technology included a special laser to drill holes in plastic bags to fine-tune respiration rates which change according to to the point in the season when the fruit is stored.

Mowat spoke about the science of flavor and varieties with added benefits such as seedless peppers or lillies without pollen.

He said the retailer conducted weekly benchmarking to taste fruit.

"It's about getting rapid expert opinion plus also from people who know nothing about food but enjoy what they eat. We are doing a lot of customer panelling within our business."

Delegates heard about a range of M&S branding success stories such as the Simply Fuller Longer range of high-protein food developed to stave off hunger pains and help consumers control their weight.

M&S also has an annual reseach and development budget entitled 'Farming for the Future' aimed at helping local farmers develop new techniques.

"I was at a farm recently where they had a tensometer to measure soil and irrigation, they were getting a 40% increase in their irrigation efficiency and saving on fertilizers."

Mowat said that the company had a long-term sustainability plan and aimed by 2020 to sell pesticide free produce.

"We want to be residue free as a retailer. The newspapers every few years pick out a pesticide story to show how many residues there are and that makes us vulnerable. A number of people say how stupid it's not possible, but within a few years hopefully we will be one of the first."

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