New winter warmers and shop refits have helped Greggs (LON:GRG) to cook up tastier-than-expected third quarter sales.
Greggs has launched products for colder weather such as mildly spiced chicken curry soup, Peri-Peri chicken flat bread and an Aberdeen Angus spicy meatball melt baguette.
The group has reintroduced a Halloween range including the popular Bat Biscuit and Spooky Ring Bun.
In the year to date, it completed 158 shop refurbishments, putting it on track to complete around 200 shops this year. It has also converted 20 larger bakery cafés to the "bakery food-on-the-go" format.
"This investment in refurbishing our estate continues to provide a good capital return and is transforming the quality of the shopping environment," Greggs said in a trading update.
Own shop like-for-like sales rose 4.9% for the 13 weeks to October 3 against 5.2% a year ago.
Although lower than last year, Greggs said the figures were slightly ahead of its expectations.
It has acquired a freehold distribution depot near its bakery in Enfield to cater for growth potential, particularly in south-east England where its existing space is facing pressure.
The total investment, including conversion works, is likely to be around £13mln and it expects to bring the depot into use in the second half of 2016.
Chief executive Roger Whiteside said markets were still positive with low costs and a stronger consumer environment.
"We expect this to continue through to the end of the year after which increases to wage rates will drive greater inflationary pressure," he said.
"Our standard rate for hourly-paid shop staff is already above the National Minimum Wage and we will maintain a competitive position in the market going forward."
"Our sales performance is slightly ahead of our previous plan and, whilst comparatives will stiffen further in the fourth quarter, sales will benefit from additional shop openings.
"As a result we expect to deliver good growth for the year, slightly ahead of our previous expectations."
Shares rose 51p to 1,127p in early trading in London.