Marks and Spencer may cut sales of name brands
UK retailer Marks and Spencer is set to review the sale of branded food in the company’s stores, according to reports.
The Financial Times reported that M&S chief executive Marc Bolland is examining whether the retailer should continue to sell branded lines.
M&S has been selling brands, including Heinz baked beans and Cadbury Dairy Milk, for over two years. In 2008, the retailer, which had traditionally offered only own-label products, opened up a select number of stores to certain brands; now around 400 outlets offer a mix of products.
According to the FT, Bolland is looking closely at the branded offer as part of his review, which could lead to a scaling down of the number of brands on sale.
The conclusions of the review are set to be announced on 9 November alongside the retailer’s half-year results.
A spokesperson for the retailer told just-food today that it “does not comment on rumour or speculation”.
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