Things are hotting up for Greggs

BAKERY chain Greggs said busy commuters snapping up “hot and healthy” sandwiches had helped it revive sales.

Things are looking tasty for Greggs bakery Things are looking tasty for Greggs bakery [PA]

The group, with 1,700 stores, said same-store sales in the first 8 weeks of the year to February 22 were up 2.1 per cent. This compared with a 0.8 per cent dip in same-store sales in the year to December 28. Annual profits were off 18.9 per cent to £41.3million as it invested in sprucing up 216 shops.

Chief executive Roger Whiteside said the sales uplift had been helped by the improving economy but also making more “heat-to-eat” sandwiches in the morning with many under 400 calories for healthy eaters. Sales of sweet snacks and pizza also did well showing the success of its new “food on the go” strategy. Coffee sales were up 20 per cent.

He said: “Most people want to grab something to eat on the go rather than take home but if you want to take the weight off your feet and read a paper you can do that as well in our new stores.”

Greggs hopes a phone app allowing customers to pay without cash will lead to more sales growth.

The shares fell 48½p to 481½p.

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