UK-based Greggs building additional production capacity as sales continue to rise

Greggs expects to open between 140-160 net new stores in 2024 | Photo credit: Greggs

Greggs is planning to further boost its production and distribution capacities across the UK to build upon strong sales and outlet growth over the last 12 months. 
 

The UK bakery chain achieved 7.4% like-for-like sales growth in the 19 weeks ending 11 May 2024 to reach £693m ($867m) and reached 2,500 outlets during the period – 1,986 of which are company-owned. 
 

Greggs expects to open between 140-160 net new stores in 2024, driven by retail partnerships with UK supermarket giants Tesco and Sainsbury’s.  

The value-focused food-to-go and coffee chain sells a range of savoury and sweet bakery items, sandwiches and hot and cold beverages. is currently expanding its production and distribution capacities to meet demand for up to 3,500 stores – including a new National Distribution Centre for chilled and ambient goods in Northamptonshire. 

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In a trading update, Greggs highlighted delivery partnerships, increased evening trade across its estate and greater transactions via the Greggs App as the strongest contributors to sales growth in the year to-date. 
 

More than 1,200 Greggs stores currently open until 7pm or later while 1,440 outlets offer delivery from either Just Eat or Uber Eats. 

Greggs also reported its iced coffee range as performing well in the first 19 weeks of 2024. The chain’s full iced beverage range, which also includes flavoured lemonades and coolers, is currently available in 300 stores and will be rolled-out to a further 400 sites in the coming months.