The heatwave has hit demand for sausage rolls – sending shares in Greggs tumbling, writes Emily Hawkins.

Sweltering weather, with temperatures rising well above 30C this week, meant fewer people headed to the bakery chain’s 2,638 shops.

Trade was dented by "very high temperatures" last month, even as sales rose 2.6 per cent in the six months to June 28.

Shares fell 15.2 per cent as Greggs now expects annual profit to be "modestly" lower than last year.

In 2024, sales exceeded £2 billion for the first time and it made a £195.3 million profit – up 13.7 per cent.

But growth has slowed and its shares have fallen almost 40 per cent this year.

Weak June trade dragged like-for-like sales growth lower to 2.6 per cent for the first half, with revenues up 6.9 per cent to over £1bn.

It expects to report a weaker profit at the end of July. But the weather boosted demand for cold drinks. Greggs is driving ahead with expansion and is on track to open 140 to 150 stores this year.

(Pic: Getty Images)