Greggs, the UK’s largest fast-food chain, announced a 20% increase in pre-tax profit for the first half of 2026, reaching £76.0 million compared to £63.5 million in the same period last year. Total sales topped £1.1 billion for the 26 weeks ending in June, representing a 7.2% increase year-over-year. The company attributed its performance to a strategic pivot toward products aligned with current consumer trends, including protein-enriched salads and matcha beverages.
Chief executive Roisin Currie stated that Greggs is actively responding to shifting consumer preferences and dietary interests. The company relaunched its salad range in May with enhanced protein options and expanded variety. Additionally, the introduction of iced matcha lattes targets younger demographics and health-conscious customers. Greggs also improved nutritional labeling to provide clearer information to consumers. The company noted that while the rise of weight-loss drugs may influence portion preferences, its menu diversification allows it to serve varied customer needs.
Greggs expanded its physical footprint during the period, opening 34 new stores while closing 31, bringing its total to 2,773 locations. More than half of new openings were established in areas previously without Greggs representation within a mile, while a similar proportion opened outside traditional High Street locations, including petrol forecourts, supermarkets, retail parks, hospitals, and university campuses. The company is monitoring whether new stores generate incremental visits or cannibalize existing location traffic.
Regarding pricing, Currie indicated that no additional increases were planned following adjustments made in May to breakfast, lunch, and promotional offerings. The company stated its pricing strategy aims to protect consumer value throughout the remainder of the year. Industry analysts noted that Greggs has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, successfully balancing affordability with trendy product offerings that appeal to premium-conscious consumers.
Greggs maintained its full-year guidance, expecting underlying pre-tax profit similar to 2025’s £172 million, though acknowledged that second-half results would likely decline year-over-year due to supply chain investments. The company is targeting 100 to 110 net new stores during 2026 and trialing alternative formats, with long-term store expansion potential reaching 3,500 locations. Home delivery sales accounted for 6.9% of total sales, with the company identifying this channel as a significant growth opportunity given that customers typically spend three times more on home deliveries than in-store purchases.
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