LONDON Sales of Marks & Spencer's Christmas products have got off to a good start in the key trading period, its boss said on Wednesday.

"We are definitely seeing good sales performance in our Christmas ranges," CEO Stuart Machin told reporters after M&S reported much better-than-expected first half results.

"In food people are buying into the ranges and actually eating those ranges now, we're very encouraged by the numbers in our party food section for example," he said.

Machin said sales in M&S's Christmas food to order service were also up on last year.

He noted the retailer's research showed about 20% of customers wanted to stock up on Christmas food products "slightly earlier" this year, with most of those customers planning for a bigger family Christmas.

Machin said sales of womens partywear and mens eveningwear were also strong.

"I'm quietly confident on Christmas ... I think we're in very good shape."

On Tuesday, clothing retailer Primark said consumers had started Christmas shopping early this year.

Tesco, Sainsbury's and Next have also all issued upbeat comments on the Christmas outlook.

(Reporting by James Davey; editing by Sarah Young)