B&M Faces £13.8 Million Lawsuit from Former Supplier Over Alleged Retaliation
Discount retail giant B&M is being sued for a substantial £13.8 million by a former supplier, The Skinny Food Co, which alleges the retailer stopped purchasing its products in retaliation for a failed investment bid. Legal action, initiated in February, seeks damages for alleged breaches of agreements, as detailed in High Court documents.
Allegations of De-listing and Threats
Lawyers representing The Skinny Food Co assert that the company was 'de-listed' as a supplier by B&M on two separate occasions: in 2021 and again in 2025. This de-listing meant B&M either ceased buying products entirely or significantly reduced its orders. The 2021 incident is claimed to have followed the breakdown of investment negotiations with the Arora family, who controlled B&M at the time.
Documents filed in the case allege that Robin Arora, a family member and former B&M director until 2022, made explicit threats. It is claimed he stated he could 'ruin' The Skinny Food Co and that he was 'the only person that can make or break your business.' George Spalton KC, representing Skinny, argued that B&M's decision to de-list was motivated by the failed investment talks and Arora's desire to fulfill his threat.
Background of the Supplier Relationship
The Skinny Food Co supplied B&M with over 50 products starting in late 2020, including spreads, sauces, ready meals, and cocktails. According to Mr. Spalton, B&M repeatedly assured the company of its reliability as a trading partner, requested exclusivity for certain product lines, and discouraged dealings with competitors like Home Bargains. This led Skinny to forgo opportunities with rivals and invest over £235,000 in machinery specifically to meet anticipated B&M demand.
In 2021, during investment discussions, Arora allegedly messaged that he 'can't guarantee continued B&M support' if the investment did not proceed, which Mr. Spalton described as 'express threats, alternatively implicit threats' of adverse commercial consequences.
Financial Impact and Legal Claims
After negotiations collapsed in September 2021, B&M reportedly slashed orders from The Skinny Food Co. The value of orders dropped dramatically from £10.7 million in the year to August 31, 2021, to approximately £3.2 million the following year. Mr. Spalton contends that B&M provided no notice or reasons for the 2021 de-listing, breaching rules, and that this move was 'retaliation for the negotiations in respect of the Arora family investment having broken down.'
Further allegations include that in March 2022, Arora stated he was 'able to ruin Skinny's business if he wanted to' and that the company had 'really f***** yourselves over at B&M.' B&M ceased listing new Skinny products from 2023 and, in June 2025, gave written notice to de-list remaining products by December 2025. Mr. Spalton argues this was driven by B&M's 'desire to punish Skinny' for complaining about rule breaches, causing losses estimated at least £16.85 million.
Current Status and Response
B&M has yet to file a defence to the claim and has been approached for comment. A hearing in the case has not yet been scheduled. The lawsuit highlights significant tensions in supplier-retailer relationships and raises questions about corporate conduct in the competitive discount retail sector.
