Greggs guides higher on profit due to "exceptional sales performance" of new vegan-friendly sausage roll
Total sales were up 14.1% in the seven weeks to 16 February.
Greggs' bosses are now anticipating higher profit in FY 2019, saying that they have made an "exceptionally strong start" to the year due to a publicity surrounding the launch of its vegan-friendly sausage roll.
In the seven weeks to 16 February, total sales grew by 14.1% compared to 6.2% in 2018, whilst like-for-like sales in company-managed shops increased by 9.6% as compared to 2.9% in the same period.
"As a result, customer transaction numbers have increased, with additional sales mainly comprising savoury products such as the vegan-friendly sausage roll and our other iconic sausage rolls and bakes," the company said in a trading update.
"Overall the Board now anticipates that 2019 full year underlying profit before tax (excluding exceptional charges) is likely to be ahead of its previous expectations."
