Like-for-like food sales edged up by 1.5% at Marks & Spencer in the past three months.

New chief executive Marc Bolland said M&S’ food arm had outperformed the market on a like-for-like basis because customers were returning to quality after the recession.

The retailer launched 570 new products during the period, including its Grill and summer dessert ranges. Total UK sales rose 4.8%, with general merchandise up 7%, clothing up 7.4% and home up 4.1%.

"M&S has delivered another good sales performance in the first quarter, continuing the progress made by the team over the previous year,” Bolland said.

“We have continued to grow market share across all parts of the business as customers recognised the strength of the M&S brand and the great quality and value it represents."

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