The company said sales were affected by “low consumer confidence” at the end of last year, and said it expected prices for all products to rise due to higher labor costs.
“Wage increases should support consumers, but employment costs will lead to further inflation in overall costs,” the bakery chain said.
Mr Greggs was one of more than 70 businesses to write to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves last year warning that changes announced in the October Budget meant price rises were “certain”.
The London-listed company added on Thursday: “Greggs has demonstrated its ability to moderate cost inflation while maintaining value leadership in recent years, and we are confident it can continue to do so.”
Best ways to stay warm in January:
1. Grilled spicy vegetable curry
End of list pic.twitter.com/W9iqiiwx0E— Greggs (@GreggsOfficial) January 3, 2025
This comes after Greggs' fourth-quarter sales rose 2.5%, hinting at a “more challenging market background” in the second half of the year.
The results for the quarter ending December mean Greggs achieved annual revenue of £2bn for the first time in its history in 2024, an increase of 11.3% compared to 2023.
However, sales during the Christmas period, including its famous sausage rolls and Festive Bakes, fell short of last quarter's 5% growth.
Chief executive Roisin Currie said declining consumer confidence “continues to impact high street footfall and spending”.
But she also added: “Our value for money and the quality of our freshly prepared food and drinks positions us well to face the expected headwinds in the year ahead, and we remain confident of our significant long-term business opportunities. “Growth.” ”
Mr Greggs increased prices on a number of products in July 2024, including a 5p increase in the price of sausage rolls.
