SSP Group, the operator of food and beverage outlets such as Upper Crust and Caffè Ritazza at airports and railway stations, has reaffirmed its full-year financial guidance following solid sales growth in the second quarter. The FTSE 250 company reported a 4 percent increase in overall like-for-like sales for the three months ending June 30.

The company highlighted strong performances across several key markets. Its UK and Ireland division saw an 11 percent rise in like-for-like sales, which SSP attributed to improved seasonal demand and enhancements to its customer offering. In North America, sales grew by 2 percent despite a decline in passenger volumes towards the end of the quarter. Similarly, in Europe—SSP’s largest market—like-for-like sales advanced by 2 percent.

SSP also noted ongoing efforts to improve its underperforming continental European rail business, following the launch of a comprehensive review in December last year. The group stated it was making good progress in implementing the measures identified during the review.

Conversely, trading conditions remained challenging in the Asia Pacific, eastern Europe, and Middle East regions. The company reported a 2 percent drop in like-for-like sales in these areas during the quarter, a slowdown from a 10 percent decline experienced in the prior quarter. SSP linked this contraction to a significant reduction in passenger numbers, largely attributed to the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran.

Following the release of the results, SSP’s shares closed 6.2 percent higher, up 12 pence at 206½ pence.