Marks Spencer sign store

Marks and Spencer has posted another strong performance in its food business.

Sales for Q4 2014/15 were up by 3.7 per cent, while like-for-like sales were up by 0.7 per cent.

The retailer said that in food, 'specialist positioning continues to set us apart', and M&S also enjoyed record Valentine’s sales, and saw new Simply Food stores performing well.

Marc Bolland, chief executive, said: “We have made strong progress over the quarter. In food, we delivered another excellent performance, with sales growth ahead of the market.”

'Food sales grew both at total and like-for-like level, as our specialist positioning continued to deliver results, in a difficult, deflationary quarter for the food market.

'Customers turned to us for special times of the year as well as everyday quality they can trust. We had a record Valentine’s Day, and launched over 350 new products over the quarter.'

Marks and Spencer Group plc will report its full year results on 20 May 2015.