Trading Statement

RNS Number:1577R
Greggs PLC
22 October 2003


22 October 2003

                                   GREGGS plc
                                 TRADING UPDATE


Greggs is the UK's leading retailer specialising in sandwiches, savouries and
other bakery products, with a particular focus on takeaway food and catering.
It has over 1,200 retail outlets throughout the UK, trading under the Greggs and
Bakers Oven brands.



Group Managing Director Mike Darrington reports: 'In our interim results we
noted the effect on sales and profit of the summer heatwave.  Since then
like-for-like sales have increased, growing by 2.0 per cent over the last ten
weeks and showing a recent improving trend. Profits for the last ten weeks are
also ahead of the comparable period last year.



For all the second half to date, comprising the 18 weeks to 18 October,
like-for-like sales across the group are up 1.7 per cent and total sales,
including the benefit of new space, are up 6.3 per cent.  We have opened 14 net
new shops in the second half so far, and are on track to meet our target of
adding a net 35 shops to our portfolio over the year as a whole.



We are recovering increased raw material prices and reducing costs across the
group, and are also now entering a period of much less testing sales
comparatives.  Although our market place is undoubtedly becoming more
competitive, we believe that the actions we are taking will enable us to report
a year of satisfactory progress that reflects the fundamental strengths of our
brands, formats and people.'




ENQUIRIES:
Greggs plc                                             Hudson Sandler
Mike Darrington, Managing Director                     Keith Hann / Wendy Baker
Malcolm Simpson, Financial Director                    Tel:  [phone]
Tel:   [phone]




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