Greggs has reported an almost 50% increase in its pre-tax profits in the first half of the financial year.

The bakery chain’s new sale initiatives such as an improved sandwich range and a new coffee blend has helped the company see its pre-tax profits, excluding exceptional items, rise to £16.9 million in the 26 weeks to June 28th and from £11.4 million in the same period a year earlier.

While own shop like-for-like sales climbed by 3.2%, total sales increased by 3.1% to £373 million.

Greggs has also profited from the improvements made to its service levels which include longer trading hours and the launch of its Greggs Rewards which awards customers with a loyalty scheme.

Greggs chief executive Roger Whiteside said: "Whilst our year-on-year performance has benefited from comparison with a period of weak trading in 2013, sales growth is also being driven by initiatives that have further improved our products, availability, service and value. Our new and improved coffee blend and sandwich range are great examples of this.   

"Although sales comparables strengthen in the second half the risk of input cost inflation appears to be reducing. Overall, we expect to deliver an improved financial result for the year and further progress against our strategic plan."