Greggs has surpassed its target for 30% of the items on its shelves to be healthier choices, by 2025 – reaching the 32% milepost in 2021. It is now working on a target of at least 30% of all new product developed being healthier options this year.
The food to go retailer has just published its second annual sustainability report, The Greggs Pledge, in which is set out ten commitments to ‘help make the world a better place by 2025’.
Launched in February 2021, the report details its progress so far and what it is looking to achieve by the end of 2022.
One of its key commitments is around the expansion of its breakfast club, which currently provides more than 44,500 children with a meal every school day. This year Greggs is looking to increase the number of breakfast clubs from 686 to 760, as part of its overall goal to reach 1,000 clubs.
It is also looking to increase the number of its outlet shops, which provide affordable food in areas of social deprivation. Greggs said it had reset its target as it had been unable to reach it in 2021, with the number of shops having increased from 13 to 20. By the end of 2022 it is looking to have 30 outlet shops open.
In terms of sustainable pledges, the retailer has reduced the ration of manufacturing waste to sales by 31% and has redistributed 28% of all unsold food in its shops. This year it has working to reduce the amount of food waste created in manufacturing operations by an additional 10% and increase food redistribution by a further 10%.
As part of its progress towards a net zero carbon target by using 100% energy across its operations, Greggs has assessed the carbon footprint of its entire value chain and will this year complete a supplier engagement plan and publish science-based targets.
Roger Whiteside, chief executive, Greggs, commented: “Last year, we launched The Greggs Pledge and with it, ten ambitious commitments to help us make the world a better place by 2025.
“Although there is still work to be done, with our clear plan for the next year I believe we are well-placed to meet our ambitious targets for 2025 and beyond, as our business continues to grow and evolve and we work together to make the world a better place.”
