Marks & Spencer is getting closer to consolidating its position among the leading players in the British grocery market. According to Worldpanel data, reported by The Grocer, the chain achieved a 4,5% share of food sales in the 52 weeks to September 7, split between 4% generated by its own stores and 0,5% achieved through Ocado.
Waitrose, for its part, recorded a similar share of 4,5% in the same period, slightly down from 4,6% in 2023. For M&S, this is a significant achievement, which already puts it on track to achieve the CEO's goal of achieving a 4,5% market share in its stores by 2028.
Ocado, of which M&S is a strategic partner with a range that represents a third of revenue, saw sales grow by 11,9% in the 12 weeks to 7 September, taking its share to 1,9% from 1,8% previously.
Over the same period, M&S grocery sales increased by 5,9%, outpacing Waitrose's growth (+4,3%) and outperforming the market in both value and volume terms.
"More customers are choosing M&S Food, whether it's for a ready-made dinner, family groceries, or online shopping," commented Alex Freudmann, managing director of M&S Food. "We're steadily growing our share and have great opportunities to double our food business."
Meanwhile, M&S has announced a strengthening of its team with the appointment of Jon Rolls as its new commercial and operations director for fashion, home, and beauty. He joins from Primark, where he was part of the executive team as group director of planning and space.
