In 2008, retail sales in independent Budgens stores grew by 44.5 per cent to £503 million.

We're tackling tougher trading conditions by working closely with our retail partners to deliver the value and quality offers their customers demand.

With more consumers turning to own brand products to get extra value for money, we're developing hundreds of own-label lines in 2009. We have also launched around 50 new lines under the 'Good Value' label, products that offer consumers good quality and great value for money - a core range of fresh lines include prepacks of bacon, ham, cheese, apples and tomatoes.

We have also introduced a 'half-price meal offer' for Budgens stores. There is now one 'half-price meal offer' on promotion every three weeks, as well as the usual half-price 'mega deal'.

This is all about delivering value right to the heart of local communities. And the retailers are with us all the way. All Budgens stores are now in the hands of independent entrepreneurs working at the heart of local communities.

Budgens is changing. But the promise behind the new Budgens is constant: Real food for today's communities.