Marks & Spencer Group PLC is the holding company for the Marks & Spencer Group (M&S). The company was established in 1884 as a single market stall in Leeds, UK and has since become a leading UK retailer, with 852 stores in the UK and a further 480 internationally in 59 territories. The company employs over 83,000 individuals. Further to this, M&S sells products online and through its franchise partners.

M&S sells a range of products, including food, homeware, and clothing for men, women and children, which it sources from around 2,000 suppliers globally. In the UK, the food segment comprises the majority of total sales, accounting for 57%, with the remainder made up of the general merchandise department. M&S’ food division sells around 6,300 products, from everyday products, such as under the ‘Simply M&S’ brand range, to food for special occasions.

As a retailer, M&S is involved in the supply chains of a number of forest risk commodities. Palm oil and soya are found in some M&S food products. For example, palm oil and its derivatives are used as a vegetable oil, as a coating for dried fruit, and as a carrier for flavourings. The company also sells beef and has a commitment to source this commodity as well as palm oil and soya from sources that do not contribute to deforestation. Within M&S’ women’s and men’s departments, the company sells a number of leather goods, such as leather boots and bags. M&S is also involved in the wood products industry and stocks a range of furniture items, including wooden garden furniture.