RNS Number:3267N
Big Food Group PLC
8 July 2003


                                                                   9th July 2003


                             The Big Food Group PLC
                        First Quarter Trading Statement


The Big Food Group announces today its first quarter trading statement of the
2003/04 reporting year in respect of the 13 weeks to 27th June 2003.

Introduction

The Group has made a satisfactory start to the year as strategic initiatives
begin to be rolled out in line with the recovery strategy.  Booker non-tobacco
sales are growing and sales of tobacco have improved over the final quarter of
last year.  The improving trend at Iceland since November 2002 has continued
into the current year.  The roll out of 100 new concept stores this year has
commenced with sustained improvement in like for like sales resulting from the
refit programme.

Sales

Like for like sales for the thirteen week period to the 27th June were as
follows :-

Group                                                                    -0.5%
Booker                                                                   -1.2%
        - Tobacco                                                        -4.5%
        - non tobacco                                                     1.6%
Woodward                                                                 18.2%
Iceland                                                                  -0.2%

At Iceland like for like sales in the first quarter were broadly flat.  After
adjusting for the later Easter this year, the rate of decline was 1.6% against a
comparable figure of -2.1% in the fourth quarter of 2002/03.

A total of 23 stores were refurbished, bringing the total number of new concept
stores to 62.  Allowing for holiday periods, the refit rate is 3 stores per week
and on schedule.

The average uplift in like for like sales from the refit stores during the first
year following the conversion is 13.2%.  The programme is currently
concentrating on higher sales stores which are more typically in the convenience
or core plus formats.

At Booker  non-tobacco sales grew 1.6% in the 1st Quarter, (+1.2% Easter
adjusted.) 1073 customers have now adopted our Premier fascia to take advantage
of merchandising support, promotional packages and performance analysis.  Sales
of tobacco have responded to the Spend and Save scheme launched at the beginning
of the year.  This scheme, which rewards higher volume customer purchases with
retrospective discounts, will be a permanent feature of Booker's plans to be the
most competitive cash and carry operator.

Woodward Foodservice continued its strong sales performance with the revenue
investment necessary to win accounts producing sales in line with the Company's
targets.

Net Debt

Average net debt for the thirteen weeks was approximately #260 million.

Commenting on the announcement Bill Grimsey, Chief Executive, said : "Trading in
the first quarter has improved on the more positive trends we achieved in the
second half of last year.  The strategic initiatives we are now rolling out
across the Group in line with our recovery strategy will have a progressive
impact and re-enforce this progress."


Enquiries:

The Big Food Group
Bill Grimsey - Chief Executive              020 7796 4133 on 9th July 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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