View source for Greggs

{{short description|Bakery chain in the United Kingdom}} 
{{otheruses}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Greggs plc
| logo = Greggs IMG 6701.jpg
| former_name = Greggs Bakeries Limited (1951{{endash}}1983)<ref name="CompaniesHouse">{{Cite web |date=29 December 1951 |title=Greggs PLC overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00502851 |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=[[Companies House]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2024 |title=Greggs {{!}} Privacy Policy |url=https://www.greggs.co.uk/legals/privacy-policy |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=Greggs |language=en-GB}}</ref>
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{ubl|{{lse|GRG}}|[[FTSE 250 Index|FTSE 250]] component}}
| founder = [[John Gregg (baker)|John Gregg]]
| num_locations = 2,500<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fish |first=Isabella |date=15 May 2024 |title=Greggs feels the heat from rising wage costs |language=en-GB |work=[[The Times]] |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/greggs-sales-heat-up-thanks-to-new-stores-j7d922wfq |access-date=15 May 2024}}</ref>
| num_locations_year = 
| key_people = {{Ubl
| Ian Durant [[Chairman|Group Chairman]]
| Roisin Currie [[Chief executive officer|Chief Executive]]
}}
| industry = [[Food]] (Food on the go)
| products = {{Ubl
| Sausage rolls
| Pastries
| Pizzas
| Sandwiches
| Cakes
| Baguettes
}}
| revenue = {{increase}} [[Pound sterling|£]]1,809.6 million (2023)<ref name="results">{{cite web|url=https://a.storyblok.com/f/162306/x/0688f7efdb/greggs-2023-preliminary-results.pdf|title=Preliminary Results 2023|publisher=Greggs|access-date=5 March 2024}}</ref>
| operating_income = {{increase}} [[Pound sterling|£]]171.7 million (2023)<ref name="results"/>
| net_income = {{increase}} [[Pound sterling|£]]142.5 million (2023)<ref name="results"/>
| num_employees = 21,500 (2023)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.greggs.co.uk/at-a-glance|title=At a glance|publisher=Greggs|access-date=16 February 2023|archive-date=16 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216215704/https://corporate.greggs.co.uk/at-a-glance|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| foundation = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1939}} in [[Gosforth]], [[Newcastle upon Tyne]], England
| location = Newcastle upon Tyne<ref name="CompaniesHouse" />
| homepage = {{URL|https://greggs.co.uk}}
}}

[[File:Greggs store front.JPG|thumb|Historic shop front, Greggs, [[Brecon]] (2005)]]

'''Greggs plc''' is a British [[bakery]] chain. It specialises in savoury products such as baked goods,  [[sausage roll]]s, [[sandwich]]es and sweet items including [[doughnut]]s and [[vanilla slice]]s. It is headquartered in [[Newcastle upon Tyne]], England. It is listed on the [[London Stock Exchange]], and is a constituent of the [[FTSE 250 Index]]. Originally a high street chain, it has since entered the convenience and drive-thru markets.

==History==
[[File:11 Abbeygate Street, Bury St Edmunds, October 2022 02.jpg|thumb|right|Greggs in a Grade II* listed building on Abbeygate in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk]]
===Early history===
Greggs was founded by [[John Gregg (baker)|John Gregg]] as a [[Tyneside]] bakery in 1939.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.thenorthernecho.co.uk/2003/11/18/70393.html|title= Takeaway market holds key to Greggs' future|newspaper=The Northern Echo|date=18 November 2003|access-date=16 February 2010}}</ref> It opened its first shop at 69/71 High Street in [[Gosforth]], [[Newcastle upon Tyne]] in 1951.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/print/176862732.html|title=Earning a crust; How famous bakery rose from pushbike yeast deliveries Remember When a blast from the past.|work=Entrepreneur|date=19 March 2008|access-date=16 February 2010}}</ref> When Gregg died in 1964, the bakery was taken over by his son, Ian, assisted by his brother Colin (who in 2017 was convicted and jailed for the sexual abuse of children<ref name="theguardian_com">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/mar/30/son-of-greggs-founder-jailed-for-more-than-13-years-for-child-sex-abuse |title=Son of Greggs founder jailed for more than 13 years for child sex abuse |agency=[[Press Association]] |date=30 March 2017 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |location=London |issn=0261-3077 |language=en-GB |accessdate=19 August 2022}}</ref>).

As Greggs of Gosforth, the first main factory on Christon Road on the Gosforth Industrial Estate opened on 30 April 1968.<ref>''Newcastle Evening Chronicle'' Tuesday 30 April 1968, page 6</ref>

Major expansion took place at Greggs in the 1970s, including the acquisitions of other bakeries such as [[Glasgow]]-based Rutherglen in 1972, [[Leeds]]-based Thurston's in 1974, Broomfields the Bakers, London, Bowketts the Bakers in [[Kent]], Tooks the Bakers (East Anglia) and Price's ([[Manchester]]) in 1976.<ref name="history">{{cite web|title=history|url=http://www.greggs.co.uk/about_us/history|publisher=Greggs|access-date=16 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116091108/http://www.greggs.co.uk/about_us/history|archive-date=16 January 2010}}</ref>

===Expansion===
In 1994, the company acquired the [[Bakers Oven]] chain of bakers' shops from [[Allied Bakeries]].<ref name="history"/> In 1999, Greggs rebranded its one hundred Braggs shops as Greggs of the Midlands, and its Leeds-based Thurston chain as Greggs of Yorkshire.<ref name="UKBP">{{cite web|url=http://www.ukbusinesspark.co.uk/greggsaa.htm|title=Greggs|publisher=Ukbusinesspark.co.uk|access-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100813112930/http://www.ukbusinesspark.co.uk/greggsaa.htm|archive-date=13 August 2010}}</ref>

In 2008, Greggs rebranded its 165 Bakers Oven shops as Greggs so they could benefit from its national advertising campaign.<ref>{{cite web|date=9 December 2008|url=http://www.ir.greggs.plc.uk/greggsplc/html.jsp?id=128|title=Chief Executive's Review and Trading Update|publisher=Greggs plc|access-date=10 March 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505112309/http://www.ir.greggs.plc.uk/greggsplc/html.jsp?id=128|archive-date=5 May 2009}}</ref> The company opened its 1,500th premises, in [[York]], in 2011.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://corporate.greggs.co.uk/assets/Uploads/Greggs-IMS-11-5-11-FINAL2.pdf| title= Greggs plc interim management statement| date= 11 May 2011| access-date= 24 July 2011| publisher= Greggs plc| url-status= dead| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110813055125/http://corporate.greggs.co.uk/assets/Uploads/Greggs-IMS-11-5-11-FINAL2.pdf| archive-date= 13 August 2011| df= dmy-all}}</ref>

In 2013, Greggs replaced its CEO Ken McMeikan with [[Punch Taverns]] CEO Roger Whiteside. McMeikan left the firm for [[Brake Bros]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Thomas|first=Nathalie|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/leisure/9823601/Greggs-poaches-Punch-Taverns-chief.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/leisure/9823601/Greggs-poaches-Punch-Taverns-chief.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Greggs poaches Punch Taverns chief|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=24 January 2013|access-date=25 August 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="BBCNov09">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8330573.stm|title=How did Greggs conquer the High Street?|newspaper=BBC News|date=10 November 2009|access-date=10 November 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Rankin|first=Jennifer|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/oct/09/greggs-slows-sales-decline-bakery-chain|title=Greggs slows sales decline as it battles to win back customers|newspaper=The Guardian|date=9 October 2013|access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref>

In 2013, Greggs began to transition out of the bakery market, reasoning that it couldn't compete with supermarkets on that front. Instead, the company switched to focusing solely on "food on the go" after discovering that 80% of its business was in that market.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/greggs-ceo-roger-whiteside-talks-turnarounds-m-s-vr-pasties/leadership-lessons/article/1413205|title=Greggs CEO Roger Whiteside talks turnarounds, M&S and VR pasties|access-date=10 November 2016}}</ref> Many of its stores now open earlier and close later, in order to target those going to and coming back from work,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/10/04/more-people-are-going-to-work-on-a-greggs-as-strong-growth-at-br/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005065332/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/10/04/more-people-are-going-to-work-on-a-greggs-as-strong-growth-at-br/ |archive-date=5 October 2016 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=More people are going to work on a Greggs as strong growth at breakfast time boosts sales|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=4 October 2016|access-date=10 November 2016}}</ref> expanding its breakfast menu,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/09/salads-and-flat-whites-boost-greggs-despite-high-street-lull|title=Salads and flat-whites boost Greggs despite high street lull|last=Farrell|first=Sean|date=9 May 2016|newspaper=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|access-date=10 November 2016}}</ref> and discontinuing the sale of bread and [[scones]] in many of its stores.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/greggs-bakers-stopping-selling-bread-5724338|title=Greggs the bakers are stopping selling bread and here's why|last=McCrum|first=Kirstie|date=19 May 2015|newspaper=Mirror|access-date=10 November 2016}}</ref>

In 2014, the company requested help from [[Google]] when an image of the Greggs logo, altered to include a [[Parody|parodic]] fake slogan referring to the firm's customers as "scum", was presented in Google search results as the actual company logo – falling afoul of imperfections in the "[[Google algorithm]]".<ref>{{cite news|last=Cresci|first=Elena|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/aug/19/why-did-an-offensive-greggs-logo-show-up-in-googles-web-search|title=Why did an offensive Greggs logo show up in Google's web search?|newspaper=The Guardian|date=19 August 2014|access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref> The firm's lighthearted social media response, which included a tweet sent to Google's official Twitter account offering doughnuts in exchange for fixing the problem, was noted as a "lesson in Twitter crisis management".<ref>{{cite web|title=Greggs gives lesson in Twitter crisis management after fake logo debacle|url=http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/article/1308507/greggs-gives-lesson-twitter-crisis-management-fake-logo-debacle|website=Marketing Magazine|access-date=5 November 2015|last=Bold|first=Ben|date=20 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Was Greggs' response to its logo mishap a stroke of genius?|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/greggs-google-fail-was-the-bakerys-response-to-its-logo-mishap-a-stroke-of-marketing-genius-9681928.html|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|access-date=5 November 2015|last=Usborne|first=Simon|date=22 August 2014}}</ref>

In 2016, Greggs moved their head office from [[Jesmond]], [[Newcastle upon Tyne]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Bakery giant Greggs plans cafe move in Newcastle city centre|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/business/business-news/bakery-giant-greggs-plans-cafe-9892847|website=[[Evening Chronicle|ChronicleLive]]|access-date=23 August 2019|last=Ford|first=Coreena|date=20 August 2015}}</ref> to [[Quorum Business Park]], [[Longbenton]], [[North Tyneside]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Bakery giant Greggs set for Quorum Business Park move with Sanderson Weatherall help|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/business/business-news/bakery-giant-greggs-set-quorum-10157375|website=[[Evening Chronicle|ChronicleLive]]|access-date=23 August 2019|last=Ford|first=Coreena|date=29 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jobs on the way as US giant Sitel takes largest Newcastle office letting this year|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/business/business-news/jobs-way-giant-sitel-takes-11855674|website=[[Evening Chronicle|ChronicleLive]]|access-date=23 August 2019|last=Ford|first=Coreena|date=7 September 2016}}</ref> 

In that same year, Colin Gregg was accused of preying upon children, partly using his philanthropic role within the company. Eventually, he was convicted in March 2017 on nine counts of indecent assault and was sentenced to imprisonment until at least 2030.<ref name="theguardian_com" />

In 2020, all shops closed in response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51999604 Coronavirus: Greggs to close all stores to prevent spread] ''BBC News'' 23 March 2020</ref>

In 2022, Greggs opened its largest location in a [[Primark]] store in [[Birmingham]]. A queue formed outside the shop 30 minutes before the grand opening, with some people running under the barriers as they were opened. A collaborative clothing range, "Greggs X Primark", was also released.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tasty by Greggs cafe and clothing collab with Primark announced  |url=https://www.greggs.co.uk/news/greggs-announce-tasty-cafe-and-clothing-collab-with-primark|accessdate=24 May 2022}}</ref>

=== COVID-19 impact ===
In response to the ongoing disruption, Greggs was forced to close all stores on 24 March 2020, furloughing most of its employees. On 24 April 2020, it was decided Greggs were carrying out a controlled trial of 20 stores in Newcastle with regard to safety measures taken in response to [[COVID-19]]. This was later called off; due to the amount of press coverage it was deemed dangerous and trials were carried out behind closed doors at undisclosed locations throughout the UK.<ref>{{cite web|title=Welcome to|url=https://www.greggsemployeeinformation.co.uk/|access-date=6 June 2020|publisher=Greggs Employee Information|archive-date=6 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606174544/https://www.greggsemployeeinformation.co.uk/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

After a successful trial Greggs announced it was opening 800 shops around 15 June 2020, with all the new measures in place which include perspex screens, social distancing markers and door staff. The company has also said reduced trading hours and a reduced menu will be in place until further notice. Greggs opened all shops with the new measures near the end of July 2020.<ref name=":02">{{cite web|title=Click and Collect|url=https://www.greggs.co.uk/clickandcollect|access-date=6 June 2020|publisher=Greggs Collect}}</ref> Some food items were reintroduced to the menu in September 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bakeryinfo.co.uk/finished-goods/greggs-expands-its-menu-following-post-lockdown-reductions/648033.article|title=Greggs expands its menu following post-lockdown reductions|first=Anne|last=Bruce |date=4 September 2020|website=British Baker|accessdate=12 October 2021}}</ref> In November 2020, the company announced it would be cutting 820 jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the company's sales.<ref>{{cite web|title=Greggs set to cut 820 jobs as coronavirus lockdown hits bakery chain's sales|url=https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/greggs-set-cut-820-jobs-095609854.html|access-date=14 November 2020|website=uk.finance.yahoo.com}}</ref>

== Senior leadership ==
* Group Chairman: Ian Durant (since May 2013)<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=14 September 2012 |title=Derek Netherton to retire as chairman of Greggs |url=https://www.poandpo.com/who-is-promoted/derek-netherton-to-retire-as-chairman-of-greggs/ |website=Post Online Media}}</ref>
* Chief Executive: Roisin Currie (since May 2022)<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Johnston |first=Ian |date=6 January 2022 |title=Greggs appoints Roisin Currie as new chief executive |url=https://www.ft.com/content/2ffe5f17-4684-4d93-aab6-1a16fd2ecb83 |website=FT}}</ref>

=== List of former chairmen ===
# Ian Gregg (1984–2002)<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Graham |first=Natalie |date=1 June 2013 |title=Bringing home the bread for 50 years |url=https://www.ft.com/content/641b1b48-c483-11e2-9ac0-00144feab7de |website=Financial Times}}</ref>
# Derek Netherton (2002–2013)<ref name=":0" />

=== List of former chief executives ===
''This post was formerly known as Managing Director.''

# [[John Gregg (baker)|John Gregg]] (1939–1964)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cumming |first=Ed |date=5 March 2016 |title=How Greggs conquered Britain: 'Nobody can quite believe how well it has done' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global/2016/mar/05/greggs-conquered-britain-bakery-profit-sausage-rolls |website=The Guardian}}</ref>
# Ian Gregg (1964–1984)<ref name=":2" />
# [[Michael Darrington|Sir Michael Darrington]] (1984–2008)<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 April 2008 |title=Sir Michael announces retirement from Greggs |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/business/2186307.sir-michael-announces-retirement-greggs/ |website=The Northern Echo}}</ref>
# Ken McMeikan (2008–2012)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Zoe |date=10 December 2012 |title=Greggs chief and 'pasty tax' victor quits |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/dec/10/greggs-chief-pasty-tax-quits |website=The Guardian}}</ref>
# [[Roger Whiteside]] (2013–2022)<ref name=":1" />

==Operations==
[[File:Gregg's, 115 Albion Street, Leeds (14th November 2018).jpg|thumb|right|A contemporary Greggs branch in [[Leeds]], [[West Yorkshire]].]]
In 2019, the chain had over 2,000 outlets, nine regional bakeries that make products local to the area, like Scotch Pie in Scotland, and also employed 22,000 staff.<ref>{{cite web|title=Greggs 2000th shop|url=https://www.shieldsgazette.com/business/greggs-opens-its-2000th-store-south-shields-ps21m-transport-interchange-see-first-pictures-inside-491857|access-date=19 May 2015|work=BBC News}}</ref> Some items are only sold in particular regions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/food-and-drink/greggs-secret-menu-full-list-items-only-order-some-parts-uk-318909|title=Greggs secret menu: full list of the 23 items that you can only order in some parts of the country|date=26 July 2019|website=inews.co.uk|accessdate=12 October 2021}}</ref> The company also sells some of its products – such as bakes, melts and pasties – through the supermarket chain [[Iceland (supermarket)|Iceland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://groceries.iceland.co.uk/search?text=Greggs|title=Search Greggs|website=Iceland Groceries|access-date=1 December 2016}}</ref>

===Delivery service and Click & Collect===
In October 2016, Greggs announced that it would be launching a delivery service on a trial basis, with plans to implement it nationwide if the trial proved to be successful.<ref name="ITV">{{cite news|url=http://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/update/2016-10-19/greggs-unveils-new-delivery-service/|title=Greggs unveils new delivery service|newspaper=ITV News|date=19 October 2016|access-date=1 December 2016}}</ref> The initial trial was held in [[Cobalt Business Park]] in North Tyneside, and the next trial phase encompassed the city's other 29 Greggs stores.<ref name="Ford">{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/greggs-delivery-service-sausage-rolls-9069712|title=Steak bake lovers rejoice! Greggs has launched a delivery service|last=Ford|first=Coreena|date=18 October 2016|newspaper=mirror|access-date=1 December 2016}}</ref>

===Greggs Drive Thru and 24-hour openings===
In June 2017, Greggs opened their first [[Drive-through]], at Irlam Gateway Service Station in [[City of Salford|Salford]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Boult|first=Adam|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/news/worlds-first-drive-through-greggs-now-open/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/news/worlds-first-drive-through-greggs-now-open/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=The world's first drive-through Greggs is now open|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=8 June 2017|access-date=12 June 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Subsequent drive-through outlets opened in [[Ashby-de-la-Zouch]],<ref name=ashby>{{cite web |last1=Waldron |first1=Ben |title=Country's second Greggs 24-hour drive-thru to open in Ashby |url=https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/burton/greggs-drive-thru-opening-ashby-1638705 |website=[[Derby Telegraph]] |date=4 June 2018}}</ref> [[Bradford]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 May 2023 |title=Greggs' first drive-thru in Bradford opens today |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/greggs-first-drive-thru-bradford-094520642.html |access-date=10 June 2023 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-GB}}</ref> [[Blackburn]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/16835315.third-drive-thru-greggs-in-uk-to-open-at-euro-garages-site/ |title=Third drive-thru Greggs in UK to open at Euro Garages site |newspaper=Lancashire Telegraph |date=12 September 2018 |access-date=5 October 2018}}</ref> and [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bakeryinfo.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/21503/Greggs_opens_fourth_drive-through_in_Newcastle.html|title=Greggs opens fourth drive-through in Newcastle |website=British Baker|access-date=22 September 2019}}</ref> Greggs are trialling certain drive-thru stores being open 24 hours a day.<ref name=ashby/>

In 2023, Greggs was involved in a dispute over operating 24 hours in [[Leicester Square]] after the location was refused an overnight license by Westminster Council.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Greggs wins battle to sell late-night sausage rolls in London's Leicester Square |url=https://news.sky.com/story/greggs-wins-battle-to-sell-late-night-sausage-rolls-in-londons-leicester-square-12882267 |access-date=17 May 2023 |website=Sky News |language=en}}</ref> Greggs appealed and was granted permission for late-night opening, but not 24 hours.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Sarah |last=Butler |date=16 May 2023 |title=Greggs wins battle over sale of hot food in Leicester Square |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/may/16/greggs-wins-battle-over-sale-of-hot-food-in-leicester-square |access-date=16 May 2023}}</ref> In July 2023 the company applied for licenses for 24 hour opening at sites in Canterbury and Liverpool.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 July 2023 |title=A 24-Hour Greggs Is (Hopefully) Coming To Two UK Cities! |url=https://www.delish.com/uk/food-news/a44426675/24-hour-greggs/ |access-date=3 November 2023 |website=Delish |language=en-GB}}</ref>

===Greggs Moment Stores===
In September 2011, Greggs opened its first Greggs Moment, a 104-seater coffee shop, in its home town of [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]] on [[Northumberland Street]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Dent|first=Karen|date=29 September 2011|title=Greggs open first coffee shop in Newcastle|url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/greggs-open-first-coffee-shop-1404990|work=nechronicle}}</ref> This store was then followed by one in the nearby [[MetroCentre (shopping centre)|MetroCentre]] in August 2012,<ref>{{cite web|date=13 August 2012|title=Greggs open coffee shop at Gateshead Metrocentre|url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/local-news/greggs-open-coffee-shop-gateshead-1369376|access-date=7 June 2015|work=nechronicle}}</ref> with five outlets in operation by February 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Greggs Moment headed for Midlands|url=http://www.bakeryinfo.co.uk/news/archivestory.php/aid/11240/Greggs_Moment_headed_for_Midlands.html|access-date=7 June 2015|work=bakeryinfo.co.uk}}</ref> In August 2013, the company announced that it would discontinue its attempt to enter the coffee market, and instead focus on selling coffee from its existing stores.<ref>{{cite news|date=6 August 2013|title=Greggs shares hit after sales and profits fall|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23585083|access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref>

=== Greggs Outlet ===
Greggs also has a small number of [[Outlet store|outlet shops]] in Northern and Central England, Scotland and two in Wales, selling unsold stock, mis-shapes and factory rejects at a discounted price, under the name Greggs Outlet.<ref>{{cite web |title=Everything you need to know about Greggs Outlet Shops |url=https://www.greggs.co.uk/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-greggs-outlet-shops |website=greggs.co.uk |access-date=30 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Greggs outlet shops: where are they located and what can I buy from them?|url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/lifestyle/food-and-drink/greggs-outlet-shops-where-are-they-located-and-what-can-i-buy-them-819396|access-date=22 October 2021|website=Yorkshire Evening Post}}</ref> They were started in 1972 in [[Arthur's Hill]], Newcastle under the name of the Greggs 'Seconds' shop.<ref>{{cite web|title=Welcome to the Underground World of Discount Greggs|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/kzjvax/welcome-to-the-underground-world-of-discount-greggs|access-date=22 October 2021|website=www.vice.com}}</ref>

==Products==
[[File:Gregg's meat-free sausage roll (home-baked) 2021 05.jpg|thumb|right|The Greggs meat-free sausage roll (home-baked)]]
Products include [[sausage roll]]s,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/08/02/greggs-we-might-be-going-gluten-free-but-nothing-will-beat-our-s/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803222944/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/08/02/greggs-we-might-be-going-gluten-free-but-nothing-will-beat-our-s/ |archive-date=3 August 2016 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|first=Ashley|last=Armstrong|newspaper=The Telegraph|title=Greggs: We might be going gluten-free but nothing will beat our sausage rolls|date=2 August 2016|access-date=15 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/companies/traditional-retailers/bakers/greggs-trials-cold-sausage-roll-four-pack/233200.article|title=Greggs trials cold sausage roll four-pack|last=Halliwell|first=James |website=[[The Grocer]] |access-date=8 November 2016}}</ref> [[Meat-free sausage roll|vegan sausage rolls]],<ref>{{cite news|first=Rebecca |last=Smithers |access-date=6 January 2020|title=Greggs launches vegan sausage roll|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/jan/02/greggs-launches-vegan-sausage-roll|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=2 January 2019|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Greggs: Vegan sausage roll helps boost profit forecast for Britain's biggest baker |url=https://news.sky.com/story/greggs-upgrades-profit-forecast-on-strong-customer-driven-sales-growth-11859260 |website=[[Sky News]] |access-date=8 December 2019 |date=11 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Molly|last=Blackall|access-date=6 January 2020|title=Burger King's new plant-based burger is not suitable for vegans|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/06/burger-kings-new-plant-based-burger-is-not-suitable-for-vegans|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=6 January 2020|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Sarah|last=Butler|title=Greggs to pay workers £7m bonus after vegan sausage roll success|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/08/greggs-to-pay-workers-7m-bonus-after-vegan-sausage-roll-success|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=8 January 2020|issn=0261-3077|access-date=8 January 2020}}</ref> meat-free steak bakes,<ref>{{cite news|first=Rebecca |last=Smithers |access-date=6 January 2020|title=Greggs launches meatless steak bake to beef up its vegan range|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/02/greggs-launches-meatless-steak-bake-beef-up-vegan-range|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=2 January 2020|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> bacon rolls,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/epic/grg/8047074/Greggs-puts-porridge-on-the-breakfast-menu-as-bacon-butties-boost-sales.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/epic/grg/8047074/Greggs-puts-porridge-on-the-breakfast-menu-as-bacon-butties-boost-sales.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Greggs puts porridge on the breakfast menu as bacon butties boost sales|date=7 October 2010|access-date=22 November 2016|first=Amy|last=Wilson|newspaper=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[croissant]]s, [[pains au chocolat]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/greggs-add-croissants-breakfast-menu-1420982|title=Greggs add croissants to their breakfast menu|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=6 October 2010|access-date=22 November 2016|first=Karen|last=Dent}}</ref> [[sandwich]]es,<ref>{{cite news|first=Javaria|last=Akbar|url=https://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/what-i-learned-about-sandwiches-from-working-at-greggs|title=What I Learned About Sandwiches From Working at Greggs|date=11 November 2014|newspaper=VICE|access-date=22 November 2016}}</ref> and soups.<ref name="Rodger">{{cite news|url=http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/whats-on/food-drink-news/revealed-greggs-unveils-new-400-11246543|title=Revealed: Greggs unveils new 400 calorie or less menu|last=Rodger|first=James|date=27 April 2016|newspaper=Coventry Telegraph|access-date=1 December 2016}}</ref><ref name="Farrell">{{cite news|last=Farrell|first=Sean|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/oct/06/greggs-new-menu-shops-boost-sales|date=6 October 2015|access-date=15 November 2016|title=New Greggs menu and smarter shops boost sales ahead of forecast|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref>

In Channel 4's ''Tricks Of The Restaurant Trade'', it was discovered that Greggs' cream of tomato soup contained much more sugar than was disclosed in its nutritional information.<ref name="Hinde">{{cite news|first=Natasha|last=Hinde|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/tricks-of-the-restaurant-trade-shocking-discovery-sugar-content-in-greggs-soup_uk_583c4b3de4b0207d1918cd5f|title='Tricks Of The Restaurant Trade' Makes A Shocking Discovery About Greggs Tomato Soup|date=29 November 2016|newspaper=The Huffington Post|access-date=1 December 2016}}</ref>

== Marketing ==
In July 2002, American actress and model [[Milla Jovovich]], a fan of the store and its pasties,<ref>{{cite news| date=9 July 2002|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2118134.stm|title= Milla munches Geordie fare|publisher=BBC News|access-date = 16 April 2007}}</ref> said that she would be willing to become the "face of Greggs" in a new marketing campaign if the firm approached her. However, no such approach was made.<ref>{{cite news| date=8 April 2007|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/main.jhtml?xml=/fashion/2007/04/08/stmilla108.xml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070507043242/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/main.jhtml?xml=/fashion/2007/04/08/stmilla108.xml|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 May 2007|title= Slav to love|newspaper=Daily Telegraph|access-date = 16 April 2007}}</ref>

=== Greggs Rewards ===
In February 2014, Greggs launched an electronic loyalty scheme app called ''"Greggs Rewards"''.<ref name="EagleEye">{{cite news|url=http://www.eagleeye.com/greggs-launches-mobile-payment-app-with-built-in-loyalty/|title=Greggs launches mobile payment app with built in loyalty – Eagle Eye|date=26 February 2014|newspaper=Eagle Eye|access-date=22 November 2016}}</ref>

=== Pasty tax ===
In March 2012, [[Chancellor of the Exchequer]] [[George Osborne]] proposed to simplify the taxing of takeaway food. In the United Kingdom, most food intended to be cooked and eaten at home is zero rated, meaning that businesses do not have to charge their customers the standard VAT on those products.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/vat-businesses/vat-rates|title=Businesses and charging VAT – GOV.UK|website=www.gov.uk|access-date=10 November 2016}}</ref>

With the pasty tax, any food besides freshly baked bread which is sold while above room temperature would be subject to the 20% VAT charge with no exception for intended serving temperature. Chairman of the company, Derek Netherton warned that such a tax would lead to "further unemployment, high street closures and reduced investment".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/may/16/greggs-pasty-tax-sales-profits|title=Greggs warns pasty tax could hit sales and profits|last=Neate|first=Rupert|date=16 May 2012|newspaper=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|access-date=10 November 2016}}</ref> Greggs participated in a campaign to reverse this decision, which became known as the "[[pasty tax]]" or "Pasty Gate".<ref name="V701-14">{{cite book|title=VAT Notice 701/14 Catering and take-away food|publisher=HM Revenue & Customs|url=http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageLibrary_PublicNoticesAndInfoSheets&propertyType=document&columns=1&id=HMCE_CL_000118#P67_4124|date=October 2011}}</ref>

=== ''Greggs: More Than Meats the Pie'' ===
An eight part documentary series, called ''Greggs: More Than Meats The Pie'', which goes behind the scenes of the bakery and all its areas, was broadcast on [[Sky One|Sky1]] and Sky1 HD in April 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last=Edwards|first=Samantha|url=http://www.bakeryinfo.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/11466/Greggs_TV_series_airs_in_April.html|title=Greggs TV series airs in April|publisher=British Baker|date=19 April 2013|access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref> Sky revealed the documentary programme's first episode was Sky1's number one original show in April, with a final total of 1.27 million viewers.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jeffery|first=Morgan|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/revolution/news/a485533/revolution-arrow-revealed-as-skys-most-watched-shows-in-april/|title='Revolution', 'Arrow' revealed as Sky's most-watched shows in April|publisher=Digital Spy|date=29 May 2013|access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Greggs}}
* [http://corporate.greggs.co.uk Corporate site]
* [http://www.greggs.co.uk Consumer site]
* [http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=GRG.L Yahoo profile]

{{UK Food}}
{{FTSE 250 Index constituents}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1939 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Bakeries of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:British companies established in 1939]]
[[Category:Companies based in Newcastle upon Tyne]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the London Stock Exchange]]
[[Category:Doughnut shops]]
[[Category:English brands]]
[[Category:Fast-food chains of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Food and drink companies established in 1939]]
[[Category:Restaurants established in 1939]]
[[Category:Retail companies established in 1939]]
[[Category:Retail companies of the United Kingdom]]