Marks & Spencer's food sales growth has been impacted by a cyber attack in April, with a significant slowdown in sales.
Spending in M&S food halls rose by only 0.8% in the four weeks to May 17 compared to a year earlier, down from 11% growth over the previous 12 months.
The cyber incident by the group 'Scattered Spider' led to disrupted online orders, food deliveries, and caused a slip in M&S market share to 3.3% from 3.6%.
M&S has estimated a £300 million profit loss due to the attack, with ongoing IT system restorations expected to continue until July. However, analysts anticipate a bounce back once issues are resolved.