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Travel food operator SSP Group has reported a 5% increase in like-for-like sales during the first quarter of the 2026 financial year.
As a result, the company has confirmed that its financial expectations for the year remain unchanged despite rail sector volatility and US government shutdown.
SSP, which operates food outlets in travel hubs across 38 countries, said its performance was bolstered by a 17% sales jump in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, aided by a return to normal air travel capacity in India.
In the UK and Ireland, sales rose by 8% as the group benefited from strong performance in its airport sites and Marks and Spencer estate. However, growth in Continental Europe was limited to 1%, which the company attributed to weak consumer sentiment and lower spending levels in several markets.
The European rail business is currently undergoing a wide-ranging review following the sluggish quarterly performance. In North America, sales grew by 4% but faced volatility caused by seasonal fluctuations and the United States government shutdown.
The group has completed £24m of its £100m share buyback programme, which was initiated in October last year. Managers expect to release the half-year results for the period ending 31 March on 19 May 2026.
Patrick Coveney, chief executive of SSP Group, said: “We have made a good start to the financial year, with LFL sales growth of 5% in the first quarter. We are on track against our ‘Focus 26’ operational plan with a range of programmes underway to deliver sustained improvements in profitability, cash and returns on capital. Given this momentum, we remain confident in our prospects for the balance of FY26 and beyond.”
