Marks & Spencer to Include Alcohol in Health Metrics Across UK Foodhalls
WHO: Marks & Spencer (M&S)
WHAT: Voluntarily adding alcohol sales to healthy food reporting metrics.
WHERE: All UK M&S Foodhalls and corporate reporting.
WHEN: Implementation effective from February 2026.
WHY: To improve transparency on "empty calories" and support government health targets.
M&S is pioneering M&S-Alcohol-Transparency by adding drinks to its official health reporting.
M&S Leads on M&S-Alcohol-Transparency
M&S is the first retailer to count alcohol in its healthy sales reporting. This move recognises that alcohol can have a significant effect on health. Current government reporting models do not include alcohol in supermarket food sales data.
Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, said: "We are voluntarily including alcohol in our Healthy Food Sales target because it is the right thing to do." Research from think tank Nesta shows alcohol contributes about 5% of "empty" calories for UK adults. This equates to roughly 140 calories a day per person.
The retailer already met its target of 70% sales from healthier products by 2025. Including alcohol offers increased transparency in line with this ongoing health target. Three-quarters of M&S customers say health is the top driver when reducing alcohol intake.
Wider Industry and Government Response
Major competitors like Tesco and Sainsbury’s have expressed support for mandatory health reporting. Tesco CEO Ken Murphy said the business has published healthy sales data for several years. Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts added that mandatory reporting creates a "level playing field."
However, the government’s current "Healthy Food Standard" does not mandate alcohol inclusion. Official proposals require large food businesses to report on healthiness by 2029. M&S is currently urging ministers to update these rules to include alcohol categories.
Karen Tyrell, CEO of Drinkaware, praised the decision: "We are delighted by M&S’s decision to boldly lead the way as the first major retailer to set ambitious, measurable targets for alcohol." Drinkaware research shows 73% of alcohol is bought in supermarkets and convenience stores. Consumer attitudes are shifting, with 44% of UK drinkers now using alcohol-free or low-alcohol alternatives.
Related Links
MORE: M&S Is The First Retailer To Include Alcohol In Its Food Sales Reporting — https://corporate.marksandspencer.com/newsroom/press-releases/ms-first-retailer-include-alcohol-its-food-sales-reporting-it-continues
MORE: 10,000 Gluten-Free Colin the Caterpillar Cakes Sold in Record Five-Day Launch — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/05/ms-sells-10000-gluten-free-colin-the-caterpillar-cakes-in-record-five-day-launch/
MORE: Deliveroo launches student-designed sustainable takeaway packaging — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/05/deliveroo-launch
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