M&S food sales jump 15.8% as UK grocery market splits between premium and discount ends

Marks and Spencer's food sales surged 15.8% in early August, far outpacing rivals like Sainsbury's at 2.6%, highlighting a split in the UK grocery market. Growth is concentrated at the premium and discount ends, with mid-market grocers like Tesco and Asda losing ground. Despite slowing food inflation, shoppers continue favoring discounters Aldi and Lidl, suggesting lasting changes in consumer habits formed during recent lean years. M&S's focus on quality is attracting customers moving away from the squeezed middle market segment.