JohnathanSutton

Sutton is a prominent presence on the fresh produce conference circuit

Marks and Spencer could be on the cusp of joining the likes of Asda, Morrisons and Waitrose and introducing a 'wonky veg' line.

The retail giant's head of agronomy and fresh produce, Johnathan Sutton, told FPJ to 'watch this space' when pressed on the subject.

However, he issued a number of caveats that could - at least in the short-term - preclude M&S from following the path its competitors have taken.

Sutton said: 'The wonky veg argument - we're not blind to it, although we do have alternative uses for some crops, such as including them in our ready meal or frozen ranges.

'But we're certainly not ignoring the problem, so all I can say is 'watch this space'.'

However, he added: 'There isn't necessarily enough 'wonky' to go round, and the worst thing retailers can try and do is put good produce into the wonky range. If it doesn't, don't make it happen.'

Sutton had been speaking at the inauguralLEAF Marque summit, a certification which M&S proudly displays on a number of its products.

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