Marks & Spencer's food sales growth slowed in the quarter to June 14, rising 9,1% year-on-year from 10,8% the month before and 14,7% in the previous report, according to the latest analysis from NielsenIQ, which said the slowdown reflected operational difficulties caused by the cyber attack suffered by M&S in April.
The incident resulted in a 46-day suspension of online orders in the apparel segment and disruption to other systems, while also impacting food availability and increasing costs related to waste and logistics. Last month, the group estimated an impact on operating profit of around £300 million (€352 million). Online orders resumed on June 10.
Despite the slowdown, M&S saw its grocery market share rise 10 basis points year-on-year to 3,7%, although down from 3,8% the previous month. Overall, the UK supermarket sector is showing signs of growth, with total supermarket sales up 3,8% in the four weeks to June 14, up from 3% in May. NielsenIQ attributes the trend to warmer weather, which has encouraged al fresco dining and Father's Day celebrations.
Growth was driven by visits to physical stores (+4,5%) versus online (+1,5%), with the average receipt falling by 2,5% to £18,61. There was also a shift in consumption towards healthier habits, with increases in family-sized yoghurts, frozen fruit, supplements and healthy snacks.
According to Mike Watkins, Head of Retailer and Business Insight at NielsenIQ, “in the first six weekends of summer 2025, consumers spent £700m more than last year, including £521m on fresh and chilled products alone.” A stable summer through September, he added, could also help volumes recover.
