M&S food sales boost

Marks and Spencer has reported a profit rise before tax and exceptional items, up 19.6% at £308.2m, from £257.8m.

M&S, which saw sales fall by 5.4% in the first quarter but rise by 1.3% in the second quarter, warned the trading environment remained "difficult".

Food sales were particularly strong, with a rise of 5.6% to the half-year ending October 1, or up 1.6% on a like-for-like basis.

Sales were boosted by the opening of six Simply Food stores and the launch of 140 lines in its Cook range. It has also made recipe changes to 450 products and extended its Eat Well campaign.

The retailer is also reported to be planning a new food development unit to expand its operations in that area.

Overall, UK sales were down by 0.2%, but international sales rose 8.6% to £348.5m.

M&S also announced the appointment of Steven Sharp to the board as executive director for marketing, e-commerce, store design and development.

The firm said it is to accelerate its store modernisation programme next year, as part of its continuing recovery push, with Mr Sharp set to play a major role in that.

Two additional non-executive directors - Lady Patten and Jeremy Darroch - are also to join in February 2006.