UK`s M&S Launches Market-First Own-Label Halal Prepared Meal Range

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has launched a market-first own-label halal prepared meal range to meet the rising demand among its Muslim customers across the UK. The retailer, known for its innovation in food products, claims to be the first major UK-based retailer to introduce its halal meal range, capitalizing on its already strong relationship with the Muslim community. The move is a significant step in expanding its appeal and making its offerings more inclusive.

The new range, which will be available in 36 stores from November 6, includes six Halal Food Authority (HFA) certified meals. These meals cater to a variety of tastes, featuring dishes such as Chicken Arrabbiata, Chicken Jalfrezi, and Chicken Tikka Masala. The introduction of these meals demonstrates M&S’s commitment to providing high-quality, diverse, and convenient food options for Muslim customers, with a focus on both international and British-inspired cuisines.

Stuart Machin, Managing Director of M&S Food, emphasized the significance of this launch, saying, “Protecting the magic of M&S Food means leading the way as food innovators, with first-to-market ranges that respond to growing dietary demands and can deliver real commercial impact. Our new halal meal range is a great example of how we are broadening our appeal, so more customers can enjoy our delicious, quality food.”

The launch follows strong sales of branded halal chicken lines produced by Shazans, which M&S began offering in selected stores in May. The success of these products underscored the potential for expanding M&S’s halal offerings and served as a springboard for the development of its own-label range. By introducing these products, M&S aims to provide a more localized offer in areas with significant Muslim populations, including cities like London, Birmingham, Leeds, and Manchester.

Many of the stores stocking the halal range are located in London, in neighborhoods such as Camden, Clapham, and Croydon. The range is part of M&S’s broader “far-reaching transformation plan,” aimed at making the retailer more relevant to modern British families by addressing specific dietary needs.

Simon Pollitt-Khan, store manager at Temple Fortune in London and one of the key drivers behind the development of the halal range, shared his thoughts on the importance of this new offering. “Following a halal diet, there are limited options if I want to grab something quick and easy for dinner. While some major retailers are starting to stock halal meat, there are still very few opportunities to enjoy different flavors—like Italian or more traditional British dishes—in a convenient halal format. Knowing M&S’s heritage for innovation and the growing demand for halal food, I approached the Food leadership team with an idea, and it’s great to see it turned into a commercial reality.”

The new halal range is a direct response to customer feedback, including input from M&S staff who follow a halal diet. Their insights were instrumental in shaping the new product offerings, ensuring the meals not only meet halal requirements but also provide variety and convenience. The introduction of halal versions of popular dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala and Chicken Arrabbiata reflects M&S’s ongoing commitment to catering to diverse tastes while maintaining the high quality the brand is known for.

By offering this range, M&S is positioning itself as a leader in catering to the dietary needs of Muslim customers, a market segment that continues to grow in the UK. The retailer’s proactive approach to inclusivity, combined with its reputation for quality and innovation, sets a strong foundation for further expansion of its halal offerings in the future.

With this launch, M&S not only strengthens its relationship with the Muslim community but also reinforces its dedication to becoming a more inclusive and customer-focused retailer, meeting the evolving needs of its diverse customer base.