Greggs has reported a confident first-quarter sales result which reached a 5.9% increase on like-for-like in sales within the first 16 weeks of the year. The baked goods retailer cites the “improved quality” of its freshly-made sandwiches and breakfast range (which starts at just £2) as the reason for the increase in sales.
The bakery chain‘s strong first-quarter sales growth came from its 1,650 stores, 24 of which are newly opened and 60 within franchises. Although the British company isn‘t planning to many any moves overseas, it is planning to expand over to the Irish market- with a new store opening on the M2 to Belfast inspiring the brand‘s ‘Always Fresh. Always Tasty.‘ ethos.
Strong trading has been established as a direct result of the a low-priced food offering within a remunerative market period, stimulated by rising consumer disposable income. The brand also claims to cater for consumers‘ changing tastes. The food retailer is not spending £1m on healthier food options but planning to upgrade a ‘balanced diet choice of products‘, including fresh sandwiches some of which have fewer then 40 calorie, upgraded salads and summer fruit pots, and has plans to create an own-label drinks range that will omit sugar and count as 1 of the 5 RDA of fruit and veg.
By Natalie Whitmore
