Marks and Spencer has sparked frustration among shoppers after introducing an 18p charge per individual banana in all its UK food stores, replacing the previous 90p per kilo pricing. M&S, which has branches in cities including Birmingham, argues that the new pricing reflects the average weight of bananas and does not actually raise prices.
On social media platform X.com, one shopper suggested, “Best way around it is to take the biggest banana from each bunch.” Another pointed out, “There were lots of smaller single bananas left on the shelf. Can’t help thinking this could lead to more food waste.”
An M&S spokesperson responded: “When customers select bananas from the shelf, they know exactly what they will pay at checkout.”
READ MORE: I Quit My Job in Birmingham to Chase Passion—and One Truth Became Clear
READ MORE: Our Son Went Into Hospital for a Routine Biopsy – He Never Came Home
Shopping expert Sarah-Jane Outten from MyVoucherCodes weighed in, saying, “Paying by individual banana rather than by weight might feel less fair to some, since no two bananas are the same size. Early shoppers can pick the largest bananas, but those shopping later might pay the same price for smaller fruit. However, this method does make it easier for customers to monitor their spending.”
This pricing change comes during an exciting season for M&S, as it becomes the first UK retailer to launch Jersey Royal potatoes. Thanks to a decade-long partnership with the Le Maistre family, who have farmed Jersey soil since 1841, the potatoes are now available in 80 M&S stores, expanding to over 100 stores by April 1, just ahead of Easter.
Harry Wilder, Senior Agronomist at M&S, commented, “The arrival of Jersey Royals marks the start of spring and the best of British produce season. The Le Maistre family’s passion and expertise, passed through generations, enable us to offer this seasonal delicacy first to our customers.”
The new season Jersey Royal potatoes are on sale now, highlighting M&S’s commitment to quality British produce even as it navigates new pricing strategies on everyday items like bananas.