Greggs sales jump as cost increases ease back

Greggs has revealed its sales jumped by over a fifth in the latest quarter as it also reported cost inflation ‘has eased’ across the business. The high street bakery chain told shareholders that total sales increased by 20.8% for the 13 weeks to September 30, compared with the same period last year. It said it has been supported by its value-focused offer ‘at a time when customers are looking to make their money go further’. The group said this came after like-for-like growth of 14.2% for the quarter across its company-managed shops, as it also benefited from its continued expansion. Greggs said it has seen 82 net store openings so far this year, taking it to 2,410 outlets by the end of September. It added that it expects between 135 and 145 net openings for the whole of 2023. It comes as the Newcastle-based business continues to expand its proposition in an effort to draw in more customers. Greggs said it has invested to grow its evening operation, with sales after 4pm now accounting for 8.8% of trade. It has also significantly grown customer activity through its app and its partnership with Uber Eats. The group has also continued to introduce new food and drink products to sell alongside its traditional sausage rolls and bakes, with a ‘veg bhaji flatbread and cheese and honey mustard toastie’ among new vegetarian products in its autumn menu. The London-listed firm said it was on track to hit its financial guidance for the year as it reported that ‘the rate of cost inflation has eased’ compared with a year earlier.