BAKERY chain Greggs has forecast “only marginally positive” sales growth for 2009 as the recession bites.

But the firm, which has several shops in Huddersfield, said it had faith in its pricing policy to offer value for money to customers.

Greggs, which has about 1,400 shops across the UK, said it had shown resilience with a 4.4% rise in like-for-like sales in 2008.

Pre-tax profits fell by 3.3% to £45.2m in the year to December 27 – although this exceeded market expectations.

Plunging consumer confidence meant comparable sales growth slowed from 5.1% in the first half to 3.9% in the final six months, while sales since the year-end have risen by 1%.

However, Greggs said snow last month hit sales in the 10 week period to March 7. Excluding the two weeks of disruption by the weather, sales rose by 2.9%.

Newcastle-based Gregg has launched a range of cut-price products, including 99p sandwiches, to appeal to cash-strapped consumers.

It is also opening more shops close to where customers work or travel in locations away from the traditional high street, such as industrial estates, business parks, airports and bus stations.

Chief executive Ken McMeikan, who joined in June, said: “Our customers are not immune to the effects of recession, but they and others will seek out good value and we will work hard to find ways of continuing to deliver that with great quality products at great prices.”

The group, which employs 19,000 staff, is now more than two years into a three-year plan to raise its national profile and unify the business under the Greggs brand.

As part of this, it has decided to pull out of its loss-making Belgium operation and to rebrand all its Bakers Oven shops in the UK.

Greggs opened 41 new shops last year, but said it will be “very selective” in openings for 2009.