London, May 13 - British baker Greggs Plc said on Wednesday that like-for-like sales growth picked up in March and April boosted by hot cross bun sales over Easter amid signs of greater stability in customer numbers at its shops.
The company, which sells sandwiches, savouries and cakes from around 1,400 outlets, said like-for-like sales rose 2.0 percent in the 19-week period to May 9 after it had reported earlier a 1.0 percent rise in the 10-weeks to March 7.
Chairman Derek Netherton said the group had enjoyed a successful Easter season with hot cross bun sales up 10 percent at over 2.3 million during 2009.
"During recent weeks there have been some encouraging signs of greater stability in customer numbers," he said in a trading statement ahead of the group's annual general meeting to be held later on Wednesday.
The group added that its performance was in line with its expectations with margins as budgeted and ingredient costs continuing to increase overall but offset by declines in energy costs which it expects to continue into its second-half.