BFP Big Food Grp.

RNS Number:7116A
Big Food Group PLC
12 July 2004

                                                                    12 July 2004

                              THE BIG FOOD GROUP PLC

                         First Quarter Trading Statement


The Company announces its trading statement for the thirteen weeks to 2 July
2004.

Introduction

The tougher trading environment noted in the Company's statement on 27 May has
continued.  Against this background, the strategic developments across all
business units have been progressed with the acceleration of the Iceland refit
programme, the increased penetration of the convenience store sector by Booker
through its Premier fascia and the expansion of Woodward as a national
foodservice operator.

Sales

Like-for-like sales for the thirteen weeks to 2 July 2004 were as follows:

                                          %
Group                                  -0.5
Booker                                 -1.1
   - tobacco                           -0.1
   - non tobacco                       -1.8
Woodward                               32.2
Iceland                                -1.7

At Booker, tobacco sales were flat against the comparable period last year when
Spend and Save was introduced.

Non tobacco sales declined by 1.8% with the catering sector experiencing a
further shortfall. However, like-for-like sales to Premier increased by
approximately 7%. A further 131 Premier customers were added during the quarter
bringing the total stores under this fascia to 1,586.

Woodward Foodservice once again achieved strong sales growth.

At Iceland, the stores awaiting renewal continued to show a like-for-like sales
decline but further momentum was made in the refit programme. 40 refits were
completed and three new stores were opened at Liverpool, Hackney and Deal during
the quarter, bringing to 185 the number of stores trading in the new format.
Andy Clarke, our new Managing Director at Iceland, is now concentrating on the
sales performance of Iceland through a combination of measures to improve
customer service standards.


Cash Flow

Net debt for the thirteen weeks to 2 July 2004 averaged approximately #239
million against #251 million for the last fiscal year.

Recent and anticipated increases in interest rates are expected to add around
#2 million to the net interest cost for the year.


Restructuring

The measures announced on 27 May are proceeding to plan.  The depots at Nuneaton
and Didcot will be exited by the end of September with the closure of Bellshill
scheduled for early summer next year.  The Booker branch operational changes
have been implemented.


Outlook

Recent industry data indicates that the level of competitiveness has increased
in pace over recent months, particularly in the key area of price. The Company
expects the more competitive environment to continue for the foreseeable future.

Bill Grimsey, Chief Executive, commented:

"Against tougher market conditions, our priority is to accelerate our strategic
initiatives, particularly the Iceland refit programme, the roll-out of Premier
and our drive into the delivered foodservice market through Woodward."


Enquiries:
The Big Food Group
Bill Grimsey - Chief Executive                020 7796 4133
Bill Hoskins - Finance Director        on 12 July 2004 only


gcg hudson sandler
Andrew Hayes                                  020 7796 4133
Sandrine Boussard




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

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