Greggs has reported sales growth of seven per cent for the first 19 weeks of the year.

The fast-food bakery said that delivery sales, evening trade, and increased participation in the company’s app had supported transaction volume growth over the period.

The results come after the company opened 64 new shops during the first part of the year, with 2,500 stores now operating across the UK.

The company said that its continued "strategic and operational progress" has enabled it to build capacity for further UK growth.

The food company's shop openings this year have included sites at Embankment underground station, four shops with Tesco, and three with Sainsbury's, with the latter including two petrol filling station locations.

It has also closed 37 shops in the year to date, including 23 relocations.

"The pipeline for the remainder of the year is strong, including a number of further opportunities with supermarket groups, and we remain confident in achieving 140-160 net openings for the full year," said the company.

As part of its longer-term growth plans, the company said that it is progressing with the previously announced development of two new sites in the midlands, which will be operational in late 2026 or early 2027.

One facility will help the business increase its manufacturing capacity and expand its logistics network capacity, whilst the other will be a national distribution centre for chilled and ambient goods.

---