Marks & Spencer to stop stocking ‘cauliflower steak’ following price backlash

‘On this occasion we didn’t get it right’

Sabrina Barr
Thursday 11 January 2018 11:47 GMT
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Rachel Clarke
Rachel Clarke

Marks & Spencer has decided to stop stocking their ‘cauliflower steak’ after the product received criticism for its plastic packaging and lofty price.

After photos of the cauliflower steak began circulating on social media, people were quick to call out the retailer for selling a serving of two slices of cauliflower with a herb dressing for double the price of a normal cauliflower.

Consumers also noted the apparent use of excess packaging used to display the product.

Rachel Clarke, whose tweet about the cauliflower steak sparked outrage online, outlined the importance of considering the environment when marketing products.

“Food innovation is important and there are some great products out there," Clarke told The Independent

“However, I think the Cauliflower Steak is just a step too far considering the price point and use of packaging.

“Wrapping vegetables in plastic isn’t a new thing, and creating items like this is just adding to the problem.

“If they do have to sell them pre-chopped, then they need to consider alternative storage and packaging.”

The cauliflower steak was originally launched as part of the new Marks & Spencer vegetarian range.

A Marks & Spencer spokesperson explained it was conceived as a way for vegetarians to save time in the kitchen.

“This is for customers looking for a quick and convenient vegetarian meal option,” they said.

“The plastic tray protects the product and is widely recyclable. We continue to look at ways to optimise our food packaging and ensure it can be widely recyclable.”

However, Marks & Spencer has now made the decision to stop selling the cauliflower steak once the rest of the stock currently in-store has sold out.

“Once we’ve sold the stock that is currently in stores, we won’t be ordering any more of this product,” a Marks & Spencer spokesperson told the The Independent.

“We work hard to create quick and convenient meals for customers; however, on this occasion we didn’t get it right.

“We have launched many other vegetarian dishes that are already proving popular with customers.”

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