Greggs has reported a rise in sales and profits for the first half of 2026, driven by growth in its frozen bake-at-home supermarket products, new shop openings, and millions of pounds in cost savings.
The Newcastle-based bakery chain, which has 2,773 shops after opening a net 34 locations in the 26 weeks to June 27, said total sales rose 7.2% to more than £1.1bn compared with the same period last year. Operating profit increased nearly 23% to £86.5m.
Shop expansion and new formats
Greggs is targeting a total of 3,500 shops in the UK and expects to open between 100 and 110 net new shops in 2026, plus an additional 10 trials of its new "Greggs Express" self-service counter format in convenience stores. The company also cited opportunities with its "bitesize Greggs" format for smaller locations.
Earlier this year, Greggs opened its first overseas location at Tenerife South Airport via a franchise partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail.
Menu innovations and cost savings
New menu items include a chicken roll introduced in April, described as a "standout success", along with a tandoori chicken pizza slice, salads such as chicken Caesar and prawn layered pasta, and an iced matcha latte to capitalise on health trends.
Greggs is targeting £11m of cost savings this year, with £7m achieved in the first half. Bosses said savings efforts had been stepped up but would provide less of a boost in the second half.
Outlook and market conditions
Despite pointing to reduced consumer spending and increased uncertainty in the market, Roisin Currie, chief executive, said: "Greggs continued to outperform the market and has delivered an improved sales performance and strong cost control through the first half of 2026, resulting in profitable growth.
"We remain focused on opening shops in more catchments and introducing convenient ways for customers to pick up Greggs favourites, while broadening and innovating our menu in line with changing tastes and trends.
"We are making great progress in building the supply chain infrastructure that will support the significant growth opportunities that lie ahead. The Board's expectations for the full-year outcome are unchanged."
