Trading Statement

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: 020 7796 4133 Tel: 0191 281 7721 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

Companies

Greggs (GRG)
UK 100