If you’ve ever walked past a Greggs bakery, chances are you’ve been hit with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked sausage rolls.
But have you ever wondered just how many of these flaky, meaty treats the British bakery chain sells each week?
The answer might surprise you. From their classic pork sausage rolls to their wildly popular vegan version, Greggs has become synonymous with this beloved snack.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at just how many sausage rolls Greggs sells, and what makes them such a hit with customers.
So grab a cuppa and get ready to learn all about this iconic British pastry.
How Many Sausage Rolls Do Greggs Sell?
According to reports, Greggs sells a staggering 1.5 million sausage rolls every week. That’s right – over a million of these delicious pastries are sold across the UK each week.
But that’s not all. The bakery chain’s vegan sausage roll has become a phenomenon in its own right, with sales credited for helping the company reach £1 billion in sales for the first time ever. In fact, since the launch of the vegan sausage roll, Greggs has experienced a 9.6% rise in like-for-like sales in just seven weeks.
Despite the recent storms and flooding that have impacted sales, Greggs continues to thrive, with stores open more than a year seeing a 7.5% increase in sales in the nine weeks leading up to February 29th, 2020.
It’s clear that sausage rolls are a major part of Greggs’ success, with over 2.5 million produced at their factory in the north east every week. These rolls are then distributed to every shop in the country, arriving frozen and cooked for 25 minutes before being sold to customers.
The History Of Greggs And Their Sausage Rolls
Greggs is a British bakery chain that has become well-known for its savoury products, particularly its sausage rolls. The company was founded in 1939 by John Gregg, who opened his first shop in Gosforth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Originally, the shop sold eggs and yeast, but it soon expanded to include bread and cakes.
In the 1950s, John Gregg’s son, Ian, joined the business and began to develop the concept of the modern Greggs bakery. He introduced new products such as meat pies and sausage rolls, which quickly became popular with customers. By the 1960s, Greggs had expanded to several shops across the north of England.
Over the years, Greggs has continued to innovate with new products and store formats. In the 1980s, it introduced its first drive-thru bakery in Manchester. In the 1990s, it began to expand into other parts of the country, including London. It also introduced new products such as sandwiches and salads.
However, it is the sausage roll that remains one of Greggs’ most iconic products. The company produces over 2.5 million of them every week at its factory in the north east of England. These rolls are made with high-quality pork sausage meat wrapped in flaky pastry, and are cooked in-store for 25 minutes before being sold to customers.
In recent years, Greggs has also responded to changing consumer trends by introducing new products such as vegan sausage rolls. These have proved to be a huge hit with customers, helping to drive sales growth and cementing Greggs’ position as one of the UK’s most popular bakery chains.
The Range Of Sausage Rolls Offered By Greggs
Greggs offers a range of sausage rolls to cater to different dietary needs and preferences. Apart from the classic sausage roll, which contains pork, Greggs also offers a vegan sausage roll that has become a cult favorite. Made with Quorn, a meat substitute, the vegan sausage roll has been so popular that it has helped boost Greggs’ sales and profits.
For those who are gluten intolerant, Greggs offers a gluten-free sausage roll that is made using a combination of gluten-free oats, dairy-free sunflower oil, and non-GMO vegetable fat. The pastry is also free from wheat, wheat flour, rye, and barley, making it safe for people with Coeliac Disease. The sausage filling contains pork from specially selected pigs, paprika, toasted wheat flakes, and pepper.
In addition to these options, Greggs also offers mini sausage rolls that are part of their breakfast menu. These mini rolls are perfect for those who want a smaller portion or a snack on the go.
Greggs’ Sales Figures For Sausage Rolls
Greggs’ sales figures for sausage rolls are impressive, with the bakery chain selling 1.5 million of these pastries every week. The company’s flagship sausage roll, which recently increased in price to £1.15, remains a popular choice among customers.
In addition to the traditional sausage roll, Greggs’ vegan sausage roll has also contributed to the company’s success. Since its launch, the vegan sausage roll has been a hit with customers and has helped boost sales by 9.6% in just seven weeks.
Despite challenges such as cost inflation and recent storms and flooding impacting sales, Greggs has continued to perform well. Stores open for more than a year saw a 7.5% increase in sales in the nine weeks leading up to February 29th, 2020.
To keep up with demand, Greggs produces over 2.5 million sausage rolls at their factory in the north east every week. These are then distributed to every shop in the country, arriving frozen and cooked for 25 minutes before being sold to customers.
What Makes Greggs’ Sausage Rolls So Popular?
So, what is it about Greggs’ sausage rolls that make them so popular? For starters, they are affordable and accessible. Greggs has over 2,000 shops across the UK, making it easy for customers to grab a quick snack or lunch on the go. The sausage rolls are also priced competitively, with a single roll costing just 80p.
But it’s not just the price that draws customers in – it’s the taste. Greggs’ sausage rolls are made with high-quality meat and seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs, resulting in a savory and satisfying flavor. The pastry is also a key factor in their popularity, with 96 layers of flaky, buttery puff pastry that adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
In recent years, Greggs has also expanded its menu to include vegetarian and vegan options, such as the hugely popular vegan sausage roll. This has helped the company appeal to a wider range of customers who may be looking for meat-free options.
Another factor contributing to Greggs’ success is its positive public image. The company is known for its community projects and charitable contributions, as well as its commitment to paying its staff fairly. This has helped to build customer loyalty and trust in the brand.
The Future Of Greggs And Their Sausage Rolls
Looking ahead, Greggs shows no signs of slowing down. The company has reported record results for the last year, with profits soaring by 31% to £108.3m and total sales hitting £1.16bn. With such impressive figures, it’s no surprise that Greggs is considering international expansion in the next five years to continue its growth.
The bakery chain has acknowledged that global expansion may be necessary beyond 2025, and CEO Roger Whiteside has indicated that the company may need to look beyond the UK for growth. This could mean expanding into other markets or even launching under a different brand.
One thing is for sure, however – the sausage roll will remain a staple of the Greggs menu. The vegan sausage roll has proven to be a hit, with more vegan options planned for the future. In addition, Greggs will continue to expand and diversify its retail estate, as part of its property strategy where it is active within rail, underground and air sectors.
Despite some airport retail strategies favoring higher-end offers with high margins, Greggs has been well received by travelers looking for value. The bakery chain recently made its debut at London Gatwick Airport, marking its seventh airport opening and the first at a London gateway. With plans for continued expansion and diversification, it’s clear that Greggs and their sausage rolls are here to stay.
