M&S Partners with Gilfresh Produce to Supply Locally Grown Parsnips Across the Island of Ireland

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has strengthened its commitment to supporting local agriculture by expanding its partnership with County Armagh-based Gilfresh Produce to supply locally grown parsnips to M&S stores across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, for the very first time.

This milestone not only enhances the freshness of produce for M&S customers – saving an extra day on shelf life by sourcing directly from Ireland rather than the UK mainland – but also reinforces both businesses’ shared commitment to sustainability and supporting local growers.

From seed to shelf, Gilfresh’s parsnips take just two days to reach M&S shelves once harvested. Sown in May and harvested 11 months later, the parsnips are now available across all 22 M&S stores in Northern Ireland and 16 in the Republic of Ireland.

Founded 60 years ago by Thomas Gilpin on a modest 4-acre plot in County Armagh, Gilfresh Produce has grown into a major player in the fresh produce sector, now operating across 1,800 acres of land.

The business first began supplying M&S in 2010 with three lines of carrots – a relationship that has flourished over the past 15 years, now encompassing 10 product lines including carrots, swede, broccoli crowns, Brussel sprouts, sweetheart cabbage, leeks and pumpkins, with more in the pipeline.

Gilfresh currently works with eight growers across Ireland to meet demand and deliver on its mission to deliver fresh, local, and sustainable produce.

William Gilpin, Managing Director at Gilfresh Produce, added: “This is a significant step for our business and our long-standing partnership with M&S. Supplying parsnips grown and harvested on the island of Ireland to NI & ROI stores highlights what’s possible through collaboration and innovation. Sustainability is central to how we operate – from our investment in agri-tech and biodiversity projects to powering our site with renewable energy via our anaerobic digester – and we’re continuing to look for ways to push that even further.”

In addition to supplying fresh produce directly to M&S stores, Gilfresh also provides carrots, white and red onions and broccoli to fellow Northern Ireland food producer, Avondale Foods. These are used in the production of M&S-branded wet salads – further strengthening the local supply chain and supporting jobs across the region.

Shaun Doherty, Senior Agronomist at Marks & Spencer, said: “Expanding our partnership with Gilfresh Produce to offer locally grown parsnips across the island of Ireland is an exciting step forward. It reflects our commitment to delivering the freshest produce possible while supporting rural economies. Importantly, this collaboration exemplifies our dedication to sustainability – by working closely with growers to implement renewable energy
solutions and eco-friendly practices, we’re not only enhancing produce quality but also contributing to a healthier environment for future generations.”

Gilfresh’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the field. The business powers its operations using renewable energy generated by an on-site anaerobic digester, which converts agricultural waste into electricity. This investment in green energy supports its goal of reducing carbon emissions while contributing to a circular farming model. Gilfresh’s approach to sustainability also includes a strong focus on biodiversity and the protection of local wildlife. On its farmland, the team actively promotes the presence of native species, including barn owls – which are given nesting and hunting space through the installation of dedicated owl houses – and yellow hammers, by providing a food source for them to support their population.

The farm also provides a valuable feeding habitat for bees by growing pumpkins and placing bee hives into the pumpkin fields, where the abundant flowers offer a rich source of nectar, a key energy source for bees. Additionally, Gilfresh is working to enhance natural habitats for the Irish hare, by providing them with short, stock free pasture and uncultivated ground for shelter, further contributing to its efforts in supporting at-risk species and encouraging ecosystem balance.

This work is complemented by an ongoing collaboration between M&S, Gilpin Farms and agri-tech company AgriSound to trial in-field noise sensor technology that helps farmers track pollinators such as bees. This pioneering initiative supports improved crop yields, protects the quality of produce, and enhances biodiversity. It forms part of M&S’s wider Farming with Nature programme, designed to help farmers tackle environmental challenges and deliver measurable outcomes in sustainability and nature restoration.