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Upper Crust owner SSP Group keeps full-year target; quarterly sales rise on UK growth - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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Upper Crust owner SSP Group keeps full-year target; quarterly sales rise on UK growth

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on July 28, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: July 28, 2026

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SSP Group Maintains Full-Year Target as UK Drives Quarterly Sales Growth

SSP Group's Third-Quarter Performance Overview

July 28 (Reuters) - Upper Crust chain owner SSP Group said it remains on track to meet its full-year target and reported strong third-quarter sales on Tuesday, as robust trading in the UK and Ireland offset a slump in parts of its business caused by the Middle East conflict.

Key Financial Highlights

Here are some details: 

Global Sales Growth

• SSP, which operates ​food outlets at airports and train stations worldwide, reported sales growth of 4% year-on-year on a constant-currency basis in the three months ended June 30.

Regional Performance Breakdown

APAC & EEME Region Impact

• "This performance reflected sustained quarter-on-quarter trading momentum in three of our four regions but a significant contraction in passenger numbers in our APAC & EEME region due to the conflict in the Middle East," the group said.

• In the Gulf, SSP said the markets traded at about 65% of prior-year levels during the quarter, with lower passenger numbers also hitting key travel hubs across the region.

UK & Ireland Sales Growth

• Like-for-like sales growth in UK & Ireland stood at 11%, supported by seasonal demand and a stronger customer offering.

North America and Other Regions

• North America sales rose 2% on like-for-like basis, while APAC & EEME (Asia Pacific, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf) sales decreased 2%.

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Atharva Singh; Editing by Harikrishnan Nair)

Key Takeaways

  • Group sales rose 4% y‑o‑y on a constant‑currency basis in Q3 ended June 30.
  • UK & Ireland delivered an 11% like‑for‑like sales uplift, driving performance.
  • APAC & EEME region sales fell 2%, with Gulf markets trading at ≈65% of prior‑year passenger levels due to Middle East turmoil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was SSP Group's overall sales growth in the third quarter?
SSP Group reported a 4% year-on-year sales growth on a constant-currency basis for the three months ended June 30.
Which region contributed most to SSP Group's sales growth?
The UK & Ireland region contributed most, with like-for-like sales growth of 11% supported by seasonal demand and a stronger customer offering.
How did the Middle East conflict affect SSP Group's performance?
The conflict led to a significant contraction in passenger numbers, causing the Gulf markets to trade at about 65% of prior-year levels.
What was the sales growth in North America for SSP Group?
North America sales rose 2% on a like-for-like basis during the quarter.
Did SSP Group maintain its full-year financial targets?
Yes, SSP Group remains on track to meet its full-year target despite regional challenges.

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