Baker and fast-food retailer Greggs intends to strengthen its collaboration with major franchise partners, including those owned by the Issa brothers, as it aims to launch 150 new outlets in 2024.
The London-listed company has already inaugurated 64 new outlets this year, with around a quarter being in partnership with franchisees. An additional 96 outlets are planned to open by year-end.
Greggs CEO Roisin Currie highlighted Asda, co-owned by the billionaire Issa brothers, as their most significant franchise partner to date, featuring kiosks at various properties.
Other significant franchise partners include EG Group, also owned by the Issas, as well as Rontec-owned forecourts, and major supermarkets Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
Currie informed the Standard that the company's strategy is to ensure accessibility to customers wherever they prefer to shop. They aim to expand their presence in key transportation hubs like rail and petrol stations.
Currently, Greggs collaborates with 16 franchise partners and intends to add more in the coming years.
They have reported a 7.4% increase in like-for-like sales to £693 million for the first nineteen weeks of the year.
