Greggs' latest figures showed total group sales were up 5.2% for the 19 weeks to 9 May. The bakery retailer also saw like-for-like sales grow 2% in the same period. It "enjoyed a successful Easter" having sold over 2.3 million hot cross buns so far this year - a 10% increase on 2008.
Pork pie manufacturer Pork Farms is seeking voluntary redundancies for up to 90 of its 300 employees. The Nottinghamshire-based firm said the job losses at its Queens Drive factory were a necessity, due to the adverse effects of the recession and a change in working practices. The company is now in a 30-day consultation period.
Among the winners of Food Matters FreeFrom Food Awards was The Healthy Cake Company's organic gluten- and dairy-free carrot and raisin cake, which won the FAIR trophy for the best FreeFrom Food 2009. Genius gluten-free bread (see page 10), won The Innovation Award for the best new free-from product for 2009.
Marks & Spencer has launched a retro range of food and drink products this month to celebrate its 125th anniversary. They include the first pre-packed cake range sold in M&S, featuring 12 flavours, including cherry Madeira, Battenburg and the Swiss roll.
Sandwich firm Ultimate Foods, based in Wiltshire, has indicated it may have to close, as it is no longer economically viable. The company, which runs the Gibsons factory in Devizes, entered into a 30-day consultation period earlier this month. Ninety-five staff work at the plant.