Lincolnshire grower wins prestigious M&S Produce Excellence Award at the Royal Welsh Show

The Staples Vegetables team, based near Boston, was presented with the Produce Excellence Award at the M&S Select Farm Awards during the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd on Monday 20 July.  

Supplying brassicas and leeks to M&S, alongside a wide range of other crops across more than 28,000 acres in some of the UK's most productive farming regions, Staples Vegetables combines high-quality food production with long-term investment in its operations. 

Alongside directly employing all seasonal staff and providing on-site accommodation, the business has developed a innovative biogas and gas upgrading system that produces compressed natural gas (CNG) to power its HGV fleet and agricultural machinery.  

The process also captures food-grade carbon dioxide for reuse, helping to create a more circular production system that reduces the farm's environmental impact while supporting efficient, sustainable vegetable production. 

Judges highlighted the team’s focus on quality, environmental responsibility and its workforce. From renewable energy and lower-carbon transport to building a skilled team, the business demonstrated strong performance across every part of its operation 

Vernon Read, of Staples Vegetables, said: "We're incredibly proud to receive this award. Producing great quality vegetables starts with having a fantastic team and a willingness to keep improving. We're always looking for ways to invest in the business, support our people and produce food to the high standards M&S customers expect, so it's an honour to have that recognised." 

Harry Wilder, Technical Manager for Vegetables at M&S, said: "The Produce Excellence Award celebrates growers who consistently deliver exceptional quality while continuing to raise standards. The Staples Vegetables team has done exactly that, combining outstanding produce with a clear focus on sustainability and its people. They are thoroughly deserving winners of this year’s award."  

The M&S Select Farm Awards celebrate outstanding farmers and growers from across the retailer's UK supply base who demonstrate excellence, innovation and a commitment to producing high-quality food. 

Through its Plan A for Farming 2030 strategy, M&S continues to work closely with its Select Farmers to build long-term resilience across the agricultural sector – supporting farmers to invest, innovate and adopt more sustainable and regenerative farming practices.