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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Cathy Owen

Greggs is stockpiling pork for its sausage rolls in case of a no-deal Brexit

Bakery chain Greggs is planning for a no deal Brexit by stockpiling pork for its sausage rolls.

The company detailed its planning for the UK's departure from the EU with a trading update showing that total sales had risen 12.4% in the past 13 weeks, although this represented a slowdown form the first half of the year.

Shares in the high street baker slipped after it also told investors that it expected fewer shop openings by the end of the year than previously forecast.

The company said it was stockpiling pork and key ingredients so that production of its sausage rolls is guaranteed in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

"We are preparing for the potential impact of the UK's departure from the European Union by building stocks of key ingredients," the firm said.

Around 20% of a Greggs sausage roll  is made from pork.

It has previously said a no-deal Brexit may mean it has to find alternatives for fresh tomatoes and lettuce.

The Newcastle-based firm hailed "very strong" trading in the third quarter, but also warned that Brexit could put pressure on food and labour costs.

As well as stockpiling key ingredients the firm has also been acquiring some light equipment, "that could be affected by disruption to the flow of goods into the UK".

Greggs now expects to have 90 net openings - taking closures into account - by the end of the year, down from a previous forecast of 100 net openings.

In a trading update, the company said it was continuing its trials for evening openings with deals for pizza and hot food after 4pm.

It said it was "encouraged" by customer demand for delivery trials, which it recently started with Just Eat and Deliveroo.

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