Marks & Spencer says it is on target to remove 99% of artificial colours, flavours and preservatives from its bakery products by January 2008, as the retailer steps up its commitment to its Plan A corporate social responsibility strategy.

Bakery category manager Gail Richards also told British Baker that 400g loaves are now outperforming 800g varieties at its stores as demographics shift towards single and double-occupier households.

She said: "Generally, 60% of our customers will only pick up one bakery item in the shop. What we’re now doing is having smaller sizes of products. That way, customers are more inclined to put it in the basket."

Read the full interview with Gail Richards on pgs 20-21.