Trading Statement

RNS Number:2379C
Big Food Group PLC
09 October 2002

                                                                9th October 2002





                             The Big Food Group plc

                        Second Quarter Trading Statement


In line with its stated practice the Company announces today its second quarter
trading statement of the 2002/2003 reporting year in respect of the thirteen
weeks to the 27th September 2002.


Introduction

Market growth has slowed during the period, however our wholesale businesses
have continued to trade well.  At Iceland retail margins have been re-
established whilst retail sales were broadly in line with previous trends.



Sales

During the quarter Booker continued to make good progress and Woodward
Foodservice again moved ahead strongly. These wholesale businesses represented
approximately 70% of Group sales over the period.

Iceland continues to experience weakness in its sales performance whilst action
has successfully been taken to restore gross margin. Meanwhile our refurbished
stores continue to impress and demonstrate that this strategic initiative will
deliver a step change in performance.


Like for Like sales for the 13 weeks to the 27th September 2002 were as follows:


Group                                                                         -1.5%
Booker                                                                         0.9%
                        -  Tobacco                                            -1.9%
                        -  Non Tobacco                                         3.2%
Woodward                                                                      13.5%
Iceland                                                                       -7.7%


During this period Booker launched two major initiatives in the delivered
wholesale sector. Firstly the Delivery Hub, a specialised delivery site
providing enhanced service and better use of our assets. Secondly the Drop
Shipment programme, which involves direct delivery, to customers, of products
like bread and milk that are needed daily. Both initiatives are aimed to
generate increased sales through a more comprehensive and professional service.
This is part of the Booker strategy to increase its participation in the higher
growth segments of the wholesale market.

Woodward also opened an ambient pick centre at Rhyl offering the Booker range of
products, including Chef's Larder, to its customers in Wales and the Northwest.

At Iceland like for like sales at the original four new format stores are
achieving uplifts averaging 14.7%.

The reformatting programme continues with the completion of four more refits and
the opening of two new concept stores. This brings to 10 the number of stores
trading in new formats.



Net Debt

Average net debt for the period 18th June to 27th September was #246m, in line
with our expectations. This may increase during the remainder of the year as our
investment plans are implemented.

Commenting on this statement, Chief Executive, Bill Grimsey said, "Following our
statement in July our wholesale business continues to make good progress. I'm
particularly pleased that margins at Iceland were quickly restored, whilst the
initiatives we have developed to improve sales are being implemented in store.
The implementation of the strategic initiatives within the Group is making good
progress."


The interim results will be announced on 7th November 2002.


Enquiries:


The Big Food Group
Bill Grimsey               Chief Executive
Bill Hoskins                 Finance Director
David Sawday        Group Head of PR
Tel: On the 9thOct 02
020 7796 4133
(Thereafter 01933 371148.)

Hudson Sandler
Tel:  020 7796 4133
Andrew Hayes
Noemie de Andia


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