Marks & Spencer revealed it was building on its takeaway and bakery offer, at the HGCA’s Processor Conference in London.

Trading executive Ian Bentley, who heads the retailer’s ambient food area, told delegates that M&S was modernising its food halls to move them away from a traditional supermarket feel, with hot food-to-go and serve-over deli bars building on the company’s success with sandwiches, with the aim of making the bakery experience more enjoyable for customers.

"People consider food shopping to be a chore rather than a pleasure," he said. "What we’re trying to do is turn that around."

The company is also changing the way it sells bakery products. "Many stores have in-store bakeries but we’ve got a new design, which includes a patisserie and truly crusty bread, baked through the day," he said.