Greggs, the popular bakery chain with numerous outlets in Birmingham, has come under fire after implementing what customers are calling an 'absurd' price increase on its meal deals across all UK shops.
Breakfast and Lunch Deals Affected
The two-part breakfast deal, which includes a roll and a hot drink, has risen from £3.15 to £3.25. This follows a previous increase from £2.95 in October. The lunch meal deal, comprising a sandwich, baguette, or pasta salad with a drink, has gone up from £4 to £4.25. Additionally, the Big Deal, available at lunchtime and including a main, side, and drink, now costs £5.25.
Customer Reactions
Social media users have expressed frustration over the changes. One customer commented: 'Look I appreciate Greggs and it tastes amazing but it's no longer worth it for me. Whilst still delicious, I feel no excitement towards it anymore because the cost just kills it.' Another added: 'Greggs prices are absurd for what it is.' A third user stated: 'Greggs has now joined McDonald's in the pile of food outlets where the price doesn't match the product any more.'
CEO Explains Reasons
Roisin Currie, chief executive of Greggs, confirmed to the Press Association that the price changes have already taken effect and there are no immediate plans for further increases. However, she warned that a 'prolonged' conflict in the Middle East could lead to higher cost inflation through the end of 2026 and into 2027, affecting Greggs and other food retailers.
Ms Currie explained: 'So we don't see it in the coming months but we do see towards the end of the year and into next year, as the conflict goes on, then there will be an inflationary increase on our costs. Where significant inflation comes through to any businesses then that does get passed through at some point to the customer. We work really hard to protect our customers and make sure that we offer great value.'
She added that customers remain 'worried' about the uncertain geopolitical environment and are 'very focused on trying to make sure their budgets can go as far as possible', which she said benefits Greggs as a lower-cost food chain.
