M&S Food To Launch Innovation Hub In January 2021

M&S Food plans to launch an innovation hub in January 2021 to focus on disruptive innovation and create industry-leading products, the retailer has said.

The initiative is in line with the company’s strategy to create innovative products and address some of the biggest challenges faced by the sector.

The team in the hub will build on the brand’s market-leading innovations and long history of first-to-market products.

It will also help M&S Food to spearhead sustainability solutions, including soya-alternative proteins for plant-based foods and the latest in material science to reduce plastic packaging.

'Driving Disruptive Innovation'

M&S Food’s managing director, Stuart Machin, commented, “Creating a dedicated team with the sole purpose of driving disruptive innovation will support us in being more relevant to our customers.

“The Innovation Hub will enable us to track emerging trends and insights, so we’re one step ahead in responding to our customers’ needs in the future.”

The Team

The innovation hub will comprise a nine-member team of experts in the field of packaging, nutrition, product innovation, and business development.

Headed by the former head of food technology for convenience Dom Darby, the hub will report directly into April Preston, M&S Food’s director of product development.

M&S has initiated the recruitment process for three new roles, including business development manager, packaging innovation manager, and product innovation manager.

Working Partners

The innovation hub will also partner with technology-led businesses and focus on innovative packaging solutions.

M&S Food has partnered with 3F Bio to expand its market share in plant protein products and add 3F Bio’s unique mycoprotein ABUNDA to its Plant Kitchen range.

The innovation hub will explore alternatives to plastic that protects products and help retain quality, the retailer added.