Marks & Spencer was left embarrassed and apologetic after it undermined its own local sourcing boasts at the Royal Highland Show last week.
M&S issued an apology after it was found selling US-grown raspberries on its stand at the Scottish fair.
The retailer spoke of its immense pride in its relationships with Scottish growers at a press conference but was found to be offering US-grown raspberries to customers visiting its stand.
M&S stocks Scottish strawberries, raspberries and blueberries but the season as been delayed by the weather in winter and US and English product have been used a substitute.
Technical manager Hugh Mowat had denied there were US berries on sale but they were hurriedly removed from shelves and replaced with Kent berries by a senior executive and three shop staff after the blunder was pointed out, according to The Press and Journal.
Mowat said: “We shouldn't have put US raspberries on sale at the Royal Highland Show and we're sorry for the mistake.
“M&S is totally committed to selling Scottish produce in our stores when in season - our Scottish raspberries aren't ready for our customers to enjoy yet, but as soon as they are they will be on our shelves.
“We currently source over 2,500 products from Scotland and have three Scottish fruit growers who supply our Scottish raspberries.”
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