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.
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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”.
