How wildflowers, bees and hand-trimmed sprouts are transforming M&S’s Christmas dinner

Marks & Spencer is bringing sustainability to the heart of the Christmas dinner table this year, thanks to a pioneering seed-to-shelf approach developed with its long-standing Scottish sprout supplier, Seahills.

Based on Scotland’s east coast near Arbroath, Seahills supplies 100% of M&S’s hand-trimmed Brussels sprouts, producing what is recognised as the UK’s longest sprout season — harvesting from early September through to April and May.

In a move designed to boost biodiversity and improve crop resilience, Seahills has begun planting wildflower seeds between rows of sprouts. The flowers provide vital habitats for pollinators and beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, ladybirds and hoverflies, which help to naturally manage pests while supporting healthier crops.

The approach reflects a growing shift towards farming with nature, with proven benefits for biodiversity, crop quality and yield.

Farming for the Future

Seahills is part of the M&S Farming for the Future programme, under the retailer’s wider Plan A for Farming sustainability strategy. The farm dedicates 20% of its land to nature, measures its environmental footprint through Soil Association Exchange, and participates in soil health training focused on the biology, chemistry and physics of soil.

The farm’s commitment to responsible land management extends beyond crops. For more than a decade, Seahills has worked with the RSPB to plant and maintain seed mixes that have helped increase corn bunting nesting on the land.

Nearby coastal cliffs include areas with triple Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status, supporting wildlife such as puffins and dolphins.

Hand-Trimmed Quality at Christmas

What truly sets Seahills apart is its meticulous approach to harvesting. It is the only sprout grower in the UK to hand trim every sprout, removing blemishes that machinery cannot.

This labour-intensive process delivers cleaner, better-looking sprouts with a longer shelf life — giving M&S a distinctive point of difference at Christmas, when Brussels sprouts remain one of the retailer’s most iconic festive vegetables.

Established by owner Peter Stirling, Seahills is overseen day-to-day by Farm Manager Gary Bruce. The relationship with M&S spans more than 20 years, built on close collaboration, innovation and shared values.

Gary Bruce said:

“We’re looking at the whole journey from seed onwards – from soil health and biodiversity through to how we harvest and trim every sprout. Hand trimming makes a big difference to quality, and the support from M&S means we can keep analysing and improving how we grow our crops for the future.”

A ‘Goldilocks’ Climate for Sweeter Sprouts

Seahills’ east coast location gives it what Bruce describes as a “Goldilocks” climate — not too hot in summer and not too cold in winter. This reduces pest and disease pressure and contributes to the naturally sweeter flavour of the sprouts.

Research carried out with the James Hutton Institute has shown Seahills’ sprout varieties have a sweeter profile, which the team attributes to the local climate and growing conditions.

While harvesting begins in September, December is the busiest month, with volumes increasing sharply in the run-up to Christmas. Extra labour and harvesting squads are brought in to meet festive demand.

Gary Bruce added:

“Brussels sprouts are an important food all year around, not just at Christmas. They’re full of vitamins people need, and we want to promote that wherever possible.”

A Long-Standing Exclusive Partnership

Hary Wilder, Senior Food Technologist for Fresh Produce at M&S, said the partnership continues to evolve:

“Christmas at M&S is all about great food, and our long-standing exclusive partnership with Seahills continues to deliver a unique product exclusively for M&S.

“This year, we’ve taken that partnership further with Seahills becoming a Farming for the Future Monitor Farm – demonstrating an early commitment to our Plan A for Farming 2030 goals and showing how innovation and responsible farming go hand in hand to give customers the best produce while protecting nature for the future.”

Last year, Seahills received an M&S Select Farm ‘Unsung Hero’ Award, recognising the team’s leadership and commitment.

Looking ahead, the farm continues to focus on improving soil health and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Alongside sprouts, Seahills also grows potatoes and strawberries — some of which are supplied to M&S — while maintaining a broader commitment to encouraging healthy diets and sustainable food production.