Speciality bakery giant Aryzta says its business continues to recover after a very difficult period during the COVID-19 lockdown. The company this week released a further trading update, which showed its sales for July were down by 18% year-on-year.

The sharp decline in sales has been a result of the COVID-19 lockdown

Aryzta said sales in the retail and quick service channels are recovering, but that demand from food service customers is still significantly lower than normal levels.

While sales are still down significantly on last year, the lower sales in July is an improvement on previous months, when Aryzta’s sales were down 23% in June, 36% in May and 49% in April.

The sharp decline in sales has been a result of the COVID-19 lockdown, which forced Aryzta to close eight of its bakeries in Europe and the US, as well as furlough 30% of its staff.

Aryzta, which owns the Cuisine de France brand, has since reopened almost all of its bakeries in Europe and North America, with production lines back at 80% to 90% capacity.

The company said 14% of its staff still remain furloughed.