SSP, the leading food operator in travel locations worldwide, has seen like-for-like (LFL) sales grow 2.7% in its first quarter.

The business said the results for 1 October to 31 December 2014 had been “in line with expectations”.

SSP, the food giant behind brands such as Upper Crust and Café Ritazza, said the LFL increase had benefitted from strong performances in the UK, as well as North America and the Middle East.

The food operator said in its trading update: “In terms of new business, we are making good progress in developing our pipeline, and continue to expect a stronger net contract gains performance in the second half of this financial year.”

It was also confident it could capitalise on emerging trends in the market.

An annual AGM will be held on 3 March later this year.

SSP operates food and drink concessions in travel locations, cafés, convenience stores, motorway services and other leisure locations.