M&S Launches Robot-Farmed Salads That Use 96% Less Water

Imagine salad so fresh it's packed within 60 seconds of harvest and stays crisp for nearly a week longer than anything else in your fridge.

That's exactly what Marks and Spencer customers across the UK can now buy, thanks to a partnership with vertical farming company Planet Farms. The retailer just launched three exclusive salad varieties grown entirely indoors using robotic systems that plant seeds, control growing conditions, and harvest leaves at peak freshness.

The process sounds like something from a sci-fi movie but it's happening right now. Robots plant the seeds in a special growing medium instead of soil, delivering exactly the nutrients each leaf needs. UV lights mimic perfect sunshine while computers control temperature and water levels year-round.

The results go far beyond convenience. These vertical farms use 96% less water than traditional agriculture and need zero pesticides. Fertilizer use drops by 97%, and because the greens grow in sterile conditions without soil, they don't need washing before you toss them in your salad bowl.

The three new varieties include Citrus Sorrel Baby Leaves, Spicy Baby Leaves, and Baby Garlic Kale. All three promise consistent flavor and quality because they're never subject to unpredictable weather, pests, or seasonal variations.

Andrew Clappen, Director of Technical for M&S Food, says the innovation supports the company's goal to reach net zero by 2040. "The future of food is about finding new and innovative methods which put less pressure on the environment while delivering the best in market flavour and quality," he explains.

The Ripple Effect

This launch marks the UK's first own-label vertically farmed salad range, setting a precedent other retailers will likely follow. It's part of M&S's broader Plan A for Farming, a five-year commitment to sustainable food production.

The company isn't abandoning traditional farmers either. Through the same program, M&S works with conventional growers to adopt regenerative practices like planting cover crops, reducing tillage, and establishing hedgerows that improve soil health and boost biodiversity.

Daniele, Co-Founder and CEO at Planet Farms, calls it "a major milestone for the future of fresh produce in the UK and Ireland." After years of collaboration with M&S, his company is proving that innovation and sustainability can deliver better food while protecting the planet.

The salads are available now in M&S Food stores, bringing futuristic farming technology to your dinner table today.