(Sharecast News) - Bakery chain Greggs backed its full-year guidance on Tuesday as it posted a jump in first-half profit and sales.

In the 26 weeks to 1 July, pre-tax profit rose to £80m from £55.8m in the same period a year earlier, on sales of £844m, up from £694.5m.

The company declared a dividend per share of 16p, up 7%.

Chief executive Roisin Currie said: "Greggs' strong performance continued in the first half of 2023 as we deliver on our strategic growth plan. With consumers remaining under pressure, we continue to offer exceptional value, which is reflected in our performance and growing market share.

"Our ambitious plans for growth are on track and our amazing teams are committed to realising the opportunity to become a significantly larger, multi-channel business."