Greggs has reported a major surge in sales and profits for the first half of 2026, driven by a broadened menu and strong consumer demand.
The British bakery chain posted total sales of £1.1 billion for the 26 weeks to 27 June, representing a 7.2 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Pre-tax profits for the half-year period jumped by a fifth to £76 million, underlining the strength of the company’s trading performance.
Greggs attributed its robust results partly to the successful launch of its “bake at home” frozen range in Tesco, which built on an existing partnership with Iceland Foods.
The company opened 34 new shops on a net basis during the period, with like-for-like sales at company-managed shops rising 2.1 per cent and franchised outlets seeing a 1.3 per cent uplift.
New menu additions including iced matcha lattes and a chicken roll, introduced in April as an alternative to its well-known sausage and vegan rolls, helped attract a younger customer base.
Greggs also expanded its salad range with new and reformulated recipes focused on higher protein content and clearer nutritional labelling to appeal to health-aware shoppers.
These innovations proved particularly valuable during recent summer heatwaves, when demand for hot food typically declines and cold options become critical to sustaining sales.
Chief executive Roisin Currie said: “You do see that when temperatures get above 30 degrees that people start to eat less. We’ve been much more resilient this year than previously because we learned some lessons.”
Ms Currie highlighted the popularity of newer items, noting the blueberry matcha iced latte has resonated particularly well with younger consumers seeking refreshing options.
She added: “We had also just launched, before the heatwave started to hit, a new range of salads, with some favourites in there but also some new products such as our prawn layered pasta salad and our chicken caesar along with our grains and green salad. The timing of those was great and they have sold well.”
Customers also gravitated towards fruit pots, yoghurts, wraps, and picnic items like packs of sausage rolls during the warmer weather conditions.
Ms Currie noted that despite the health trend, indulgence remains a strong motivator for shoppers visiting Greggs outlets across the country.
She said: “But the customer also wants that indulgent treat every so often. So we do still see that while health is very important, actually indulgence is also a trend that’s out there – customers want that sweet treat, not every day but when they want to treat themselves.”
Greggs operated 2,773 shops by the end of June and plans to open between 100 and 110 new locations on a net basis throughout 2026, many in areas currently without a Greggs within a mile.
The company is also trialling a “Greggs Express” format featuring self-service units with a smaller food and drink selection inside petrol stations, with 10 expected to be operational by year end.
On costs, Greggs reported overall inflation of 2.2 per cent in the first half, a figure it expects to maintain through the remainder of the year, lower than the approximately 3 per cent anticipated back in April.
Ms Currie acknowledged ongoing uncertainty, saying: “The volatility of the Middle East and the impact on energy prices probably plays into what may happen towards the back end of this year and into 2027.”
Greggs confirmed no further price rises are planned following increases to its breakfast, lunch, and “big” deals introduced in May, with the company committed to protecting consumer value.
