Greggs said in a Tuesday trading update that it has continued to trade “very strongly” during the third quarter.
For the 13 weeks to 28 September, total sales were up 12.4% and company-managed shop like-for-like sales increased by 7.4%.
The British bakery chain added that its autumn menu is now available in stores. It features new additions to its hot sandwich range, such as Chipotle Chilli Steak and Hot Peri Peri Chicken Baguettes.
Its autumn menu also welcomes the return of its popular Spicy Chicken and Pepperoni Bake, in addition to its Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Greggs added that it is preparing for the potential impact of the UK’s exit from the European Union by stockpiling ingredients and equipment.
Meanwhile, its expectations for the full year remain unchanged.
Earlier in May, the British bakery chain Greggs raised its profit forecasts for the third time this year, driven by the popularity of its vegan sausage roll.
“With over 2,000 Greggs outlets now under its belt, the bakery-turned-food on the go chain, is still on a roll and very much on track for a strong year,” Emma-Lou Montgomery, associate director from Fidelity Personal Investing’s share dealing service, commented on Greggs’ third quarter trading update.
“On its new autumn menu are some seasonal favourites among Greggs customers, like Pumpkin Spice Latte, alongside new offerings such as hot sandwiches and a post-4pm meal deal, as part of the chain’s expansion into all-day dining,” Emma-Lou Montgomery continued.
“Brexit also pops up as an item. But Greggs says it continues to build stores of key ingredients and equipment to ensure its operations aren’t disrupted. This is a company that has its costs under control and its plans in the pipeline, ready to serve up another year of growth.”
Shares in Greggs (LON:GRG) are up heavily over the last year.
The British bakery chain said, however, that it sees food prices going up and sales growth slowed compared to the first half, largely down to the vegan sausage roll being introduced in January. Shares have currently fallen over 5%.
Shares in Greggs plc (LON:GRG) were trading at -6.75% as of 11:18 BST Tuesday.
