Pastries giant Greggs has posted an own-shop like-for-like sales growth of 5.4% for the 11 weeks to 13 September. 

Own-shop sales growth in the year to date is up 3.9%, while total sales growth is 3.5%.

Roger Whiteside, chief executive, said: “This strong performance reflects a positive response from customers to new product initiatives, improved service, better value and our investment in shop refurbishments, alongside more favourable trading conditions.

“While we face tougher comparatives in the final quarter, the combination of strong sales performance, lower costs and our outlook for the remainder of the year means we now anticipate full-year profits to be materially ahead of our previous expectations.”

The company’s growth has been attributed to a good customer response to new products, improved service, better value and investment in shop refurbishments. Its new sandwich range, increased focus on healthier Balanced Choice options, upgrades to the coffee offer and core sweet lines have also been credited with increasing sales.

In the year to date, 153 shop refits have been carried out with around 200 due to have been completed by the year end, including 42 franchised operations.