Marks & Spencer gives green light to branded food range

Brands such as Coca-Cola, Heinz, Kelloggs and Marmite will be introduced over the next year in ranges varying from 50 products in smaller stores to the full 400-strong offer in bigger shops. All will be price-matched against the leading supermarkets.

The branded range is built around categories in which M&S has a low market share, such as soft drinks and pet food, or in which M&S has no own-brand equivalent. No M&S products will be delisted or replaced.

M&S executive chairman Sir Stuart Rose said: "Our trials have shown us that an edited selection of branded grocery and household products has a place at Marks & Spencer. It will be so much more convenient for our customers to get what they need form M&S rather than having to go elsewhere."

M&S executive director of food John Dixon said: "Adding the nation's favourite brands to the mix offers our customers more choice and strengthens our position as the UK's leading quality food retailer."