Matcha, distribution centres – and job cuts: Greggs outlines vision to become a 3,500-store brand

The affordable food-to-go and coffee chain is investing to strengthen its leading market share, but there are risks attached to a strategy that could rock the boat on years of positive trading

Greggs has made some significant decisions in its bid to become the go-to convenience F&B destination for UK consumers: investing in menu expansion, new store formats, longer trading hours, and even opening an international store in British tourist hotspot Tenerife.

The food-to-go and coffee chain is investing in infrastructure to serve at least 3,500 outlets – some 700 more than its current 2,796 footprint – to extend its lead as the largest operator in the UK branded coffee shop market.

To support that goal and ensure it can deliver its diversification strategy at scale, Greggs has made a difficult and potentially controversial decision.