Greggs has reported like-for-like sales in its company-managed stores up 3.4% for the 26 weeks to 1 July.
Total sales during the period rose 7.3% to £453m. while operating profit was up 1.8% to £27.6m and pre-tax profits were £19.4m.
The period saw 61 new shops opened (including 24 franchised units) and 19 closed with the expectation that around 100 net new shops will be added for the year as a whole.
The group said it continued to see strong like-for-like sales growth in area such as coffee and breakfast, it ‘balanced choices’ range, hot food choices and traditional savoury favourites.
The company continued to expand in south-west England and northern Ireland and updated 107 shops during the period.
Chief executive Roger Whiteside said that the popularity of the company’s first drive-thru location, in Irlam, greater Manchester, indicated a demand for more. It is also continuing to adapt its formats to suit locations such as garage forecourts.
The group ended the period with 1,806 shop, of which 181 are franchised.
On the outlook, he said: “We have made a good start to the second half of the year and are confident that the strategic investments we are making will enable the business to continue delivering further profitable growth. In the short term we remain alert to pressures building on consumers’ disposable income and the continuing economic uncertainty. Over the year as a whole we expect to deliver results in line with our previous expectations as well as further progress against our strategic plan.”
