High-tech punnets breathe new life into M&S strawberries

New punnets hit Marks & Spencer shelves today that give strawberries two extra days of fridge life.

The punnets contain a strip made from a patented mix of minerals and clay that removes ethylene - a hormone that makes fruit ripen and then turn mouldy.

M&S said the new packaging meant strawberries would taste fresher for longer, so consumers did not have to eat the fruit straight away.

It claimed the new technology would also cut waste by the equivalent of 40,000 packs.

“This new technology is a win-win for our customers,” said M&S agronomist Hugh Mowat. “Not only will their strawberries taste better for longer, but we really hope it will help them to reduce their food waste.”

M&S is considering using the packaging technology on other products later this year.