M&S HATCHES PLANS FOR 155TH BALMORAL SHOW

Brand new chicks on show at M&S stand as platinum sponsor returns for 21st year

Marks & Spencer will return as a platinum sponsor of the Balmoral Show for the 21st  time with a packed programme showcasing the retailer’s commitment to local agriculture and farming sustainability in Northern Ireland.

M&S will once again sponsor a number of beef livestock classes at the show, including the Aberdeen Angus Championships and the retailer’s popular exhibition stand will host a wide variety of activities and be packed with features of interest to big and little would-be farmers alike.

Visitors will have the chance to try their hand at catching all the eggs ‘in one basket’ whilst learning more about the provenance of M&S’s free-range supply and higher welfare Oakham Gold Chicken. There will even be the chance to meet some brand-new chicks.

Aspiring farmers who try everything the stand has to offer, including further games based around the retailer’s Scottish Salmon and locally reared beef, will be able to complete their M&S Balmoral Passport and exchange it for a special complimentary Percy Pig backpack.

The M&S Demonstration Kitchen will also make a triumphant return with chef Adam Palmer cooking a range of regional and seasonal dishes using local ingredients and showcasing the very best of M&S products. Adam will also introduce a number of special guest suppliers each day who will showcase their products to visitors and offer out some delicious samples.

The Farmers Lounge will once again play host to M&S Select Farm Awards, recognising the very best Northern Ireland has to offer in terms of quality, sustainable agricultural practice. This bustling pavilion will also play host to meetings with a number of the retailer’s key suppliers in the early part of the show before being opened to the public as a dining space for those visiting the M&S Food on the Move shop.

Here visitors will be able to purchase a variety of tasty sandwiches, wraps, snacks and treats on the go as well as grabbing a barista-made beverage in the coffee hub.

Speaking about M&S sponsorship of the Balmoral Show Steve McLean, Head of Agriculture at M&S said: “Northern Ireland farmers are a major part of the M&S supply chain, not just across the region but throughout the rest of the UK and Ireland. The Balmoral Show is the perfect setting for us to connect with our customers and celebrate the hard work, dedication and innovation shown by our agri-food partner suppliers.”

“The quality of the products provided to M&S from across the region is second to none and we are proud to work with these fantastic enterprises to bring our customers locally produced beef, Oakham chicken, potatoes, Select Farm milk and free-range eggs.”

“Tracing the food we offer from farm to fork is very important to M&S. We are the only retailer who, thanks to our unique DNA testing process, can trace all our beef back to each individual animal. We want every customer to have peace of mind that the product they are buying is of the highest quality.”

“M&S is also committed to developing more sustainable approaches across our supply chain.    Our Select Farm and Farms of the Future programmes are a way for M&S to help these trusted suppliers reduce their carbon footprint and are a key part of our Plan A initiative.”

“We also work to maintain rigorous standards of animal welfare across the board. We’re proud that M&S offers more RSPCA Assured products than any other national retailer and the only major supermarket whose entire milk carries this stamp of approval.”

“We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to our stand and engaging with key stakeholders at the 155th Balmoral Show.”