Trading Update

31 March 2010

Carluccio's PLC

Trading Update

Carluccio's PLC (the "Company"), the leading UK based group of authentic Italian restaurants with integrated food shops, announces an update on current trading ahead of its interim results announcement for the 26 week period ending 28 March 2010.

Trading across the Company's stores has continued to perform ahead of the Board's expectations and in the 26 weeks to 28 March 2010, turnover grew by 8% over the same period in the prior year.

 The Board expects to report profit before tax moderately ahead of the equivalent prior year interim period. The flexibility provided by the Company's all-day trading, low average spend business model enabled the Company to successfully manage the introduction of new minimum wage legislation and a higher VAT rate.

The Company has opened three further stores during the period under review: Exeter, Wimbledon and Cardiff. All new stores are trading ahead of Board expectations. The Company now trades from 45 stores nationwide. The Company's refurbishment programme has continued with St. Albans, Kingston and Ealing completed in the period with all receiving an excellent customer response and showing stronger trading. The Company is on track to achieve its minimum five store opening target with the next opening expected to be in Milton Keynes in the early summer.

 Landmark, the Company's Middle Eastern franchisee, has opened its second Carluccio's in Dubai and is due to open a third in April. A fourth location is expected to open in late 2010. The Company recently reported that its Irish franchisee had closed its restaurant in Dublin due to stalled rent negotiations. The Company is pleased to report that following successful negotiations, the restaurant reopened after only 7 days and is, once again, achieving turnover levels that would position it in the top ten of the UK estate.

Carluccio's trades all day with a low average spend in the caffe of £13 per head. Uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the election and the potential for future tax rises mean that the near term trading environment remains unpredictable. The Board, however, continues to draw comfort from the inherent strength and flexibility of the Company's business model and positive cash position.

The Company will announce its interim results on 17 May 2010.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact: