The potato supplier signs the contract after being named ‘Produce Supplier of the Year’ by the retailer and helping deliver innovation and category relaunch
Lincolnshire-based potato and vegetable business Manor Fresh Limited has secured a five-year potato supply agreement with M&S after being named Produce Supplier of the Year by the retailer.
The new contract will see both businesses strengthen their relationship and establish new ways of working based on greater openness, transparency and shared ambition, the supplier said.
The agreement coincides with the business being named Produce Supplier of the Year 2026 at M&S’ annual Produce Supplier Conference held in November. The award was presented by Liz Van Niekerk, head of trading for produce and floral at M&S.
Manor Fresh has worked with the retailer since 2006, the same year the company was established as a joint venture business between Fresca Group and AH Worth.
The award and contract follows a period of close collaboration between the retailer and supplier, with Manor Fresh supporting the launch of several new lines including Celebration, Scarlet Dawn, Indigo Velvet and Heritage potatoes.
The retailer’s Winning Choices initiative, a category transformation programme, also saw Manor Fresh deliver an overall category relaunch.
Moreover, the supplier was further recognised for its efforts over the past two years to encourage closer collaboration and drive improvement throughout the supply chain via its Inspire Grower Group.
Gary Linsell, managing director of Manor Fresh, thanked the M&S team for “raising the bar”, describing the award as a “real boost” for the business as it gears up for the festive season.
He said: “This award is fantastic recognition of the hard work, commitment and passion shown by everyone across Manor Fresh, our growers and our wider supply base.
“There is still plenty more for us to do, but this recognition reinforces the positive trajectory of the business as we move forward with our capacity expansion plans.
”We have strong foundations in place and I’m hugely excited about what we can achieve together next,” Linsell added.
