Rochester-based business supplies British plums to the retailer

Local fruit grower John Myatt and his daughters Alex and Hannah of J. Myatt and Co. are starring in M&S’ latest Farm to Foodhall campaign advert, which is on screens now.

The Myatt family is a longstanding M&S supplier

The Myatt family is a longstanding M&S supplier

Based in Rochester, J. Myatt & Co. has been working with M&S for over 40 years and supplies the retailer’s tree-ripened British plums.

The advert sees renowned chef Tom Kerridge meet with Myatt and the team to find out more about producing and picking the perfect plum.

The supplier grows 11 varieties to ensure the longest-possible British plum season, and each tree-ripened plum is left on the tree for longer to ensure maximum flavour, M&S explained.

Each fruit is then handpicked on the farm, depending on the deep purple and gold colour and feel of the fruit, ready to be packed and shipped to store.

M&S’ Farm to Foodhall campaign spans TV, in-store and online advertising as well as social media. It follows Kerridge as he visits M&S farmers and suppliers across the UK to tell the stories behind a range of products.

J. Myatt and Co. is also part of M&S’s Plan A programme for British farms, a five-year plan that will support soil health and biodiversity, including bird nesting and native plants. The plan aims to preserve the farm for future generations.

Myatt said: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Tom Kerridge to the farm and share the hard work the team put into producing the best possible tree-ripened plums for M&S customers. We are so passionate about growing the highest-quality fruit with the best flavour possible for customers.

“Our tree-ripened plums are a real family favourite and the natural tree-ripened sweetness, helped by the Kent sunshine, is unbeatable.”

Pablo Martinez, senior food technologist at M&S, added: “Our Farm to Foodhall campaign is all about showcasing the hard work of the growers behind the M&S products our customers see on the shelves. We are so fortunate to have a longstanding relationship with John and the team and their commitment and energy is infectious.”

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