Rod Addy Marks & Spencer has launched its largest ever assault on the UK food sector with the introduction of more than 600 new products. The beleagured chain, which is relying on improving food sales to bolster its flagging business in other departments, said seven separate ranges were set to hit stores over the next two months, targeting the UK's growing appetite for meal solutions. Ten products in M&S's new Pan Fry range, made from fish or meat dishes and sauce, cost from £3.99 while Quick Bite is 22 microwavable meal solutions (£1.09-£2.79). Real Cooking Fast is a range of ethnic dishes from £1.29 and Take-It-Away Pizza, Indian and Chinese meals (£1-£7) target the ever growing UK take-away culture. Single person households, set to account for a third of all homes by 2003, are also catered for with Take-One, Add One. M&S said the mix and match range of main dishes (from £2.79) and accompaniments (from £1.39) was inspired by upmarket pub-style eating. Completing the new portfolio are Café Culture ­ prepared ingredients for international café-style meals (from £2.99) ­ Simply Puddings (from £1.79) and Sheer Indulgence desserts (£2.49-£3.99). M&S head of food product development Fiona Moore said the new ranges were set to hit more than 100 stores nationwide, including the chain's two new Simply Food convenience stores at Twickenham and Surbiton. {{MARKETING - P&P }}

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