RNS Number:9221J
Big Food Group PLC
11 April 2003




                                                                 11th April 2003



                             The Big Food Group PLC
                        Fourth Quarter Trading Statement



The Big Food Group announces today its fourth quarter trading statement of the
2002/03 reporting year in respect of the 13 weeks to 28th March 2003.



Introduction

The Group has made steady progress during a period when the market has slowed.
Booker non-tobacco sales are growing, while Iceland sales show an improving
trend. The sales uplifts at Iceland refurbished stores continue to impress.



Sales

Like for like sales for the thirteen week period to the 28th March and the year
were as follows.


                      Thirteen Weeks       Thirteen Weeks %         Year 2002/03
                                   %       Adjusted for Easter                 %
Group                           -3.6                      -2.8              -2.0
Booker                          -4.0                      -3.5              -1.3
    - Tobacco                   -9.4                      -9.1              -4.4
    - non tobacco                0.8                       1.6               1.2
Woodward                        10.2                      12.3              10.6
Iceland                         -3.4                      -2.1              -4.3





At Iceland, continued focus on the promotional and advertising strategy in the
post Christmas period has maintained the improving sales trend. Like for like
sales in the final quarter were -3.4% (-2.1% when adjusted for the later Easter
this year) compared to -3.6% in the 13 weeks to 27th December 2002.



Meanwhile, like for like sales in the 3 new Iceland store formats that the Group
is developing continue to impress. The original 3 refurbished stores in these
formats had average uplifts of 16% since conversion almost a year ago. While for
all 33 stores, the number converted to the new formats, average sales increased
by 14.1%.


These sales uplifts are being driven by a 15.5% rise in customer transactions.
This demonstrates how much shoppers like the new stores and the new ranges,
which include fresh produce, ready meals and ethnic foods. The Group is now
engaged in a major roll out programme and plans to convert 100 stores in the
coming year at a rate of 3 stores a week excluding Easter and Christmas.
Approximately 150 stores will be operating in the new format by the beginning of
April 2004.



At Booker non-tobacco sales have improved markedly from the previous quarter,
growing by 0.8% in the 4th Quarter, (+1.6% Easter adjusted.) This improvement
has been led by a focus on competitive pricing and promotional activity. The
Premier fascia recruitment programme also gathers pace with the 1000th customer
joining in March.



Woodward Foodservice continued its strong performance with existing customers
and has made several new account wins.





Net Debt

Average net debt for the period since 18th June 2002 was approximately #273
million.



Commenting on this statement, Chief Executive, Bill Grimsey said: "The Group has
made steady progress at a time when the market generally has slowed. The
performance of our refurbished Iceland stores is particularly pleasing and the
Group is now geared up for a major rollout of the new format stores across the
estate. Meanwhile Booker non tobacco sales have performed well and Woodward
continues ahead strongly."



The Preliminary Results will be announced on 29th May 2003.





Enquiries:

The Big Food Group

Bill Grimsey - Chief Executive             020 7796 4133 on 11th April 2003 only
Bill Hoskins - Finance Director            thereafter 01933 371148
David Sawday - Corporate Affairs



Hudson Sandler
Andrew Hayes                               020 7796 4133
Noemie de Andia




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