Greggs shuns sushi to go down Mexico way

Greggs today dashed hopes of sushi appearing on the baker’s counters any time soon, saying it instead aims to pull in punters with a new onion bhaji burrito.

Chief executive Roger Whiteside said a “throwaway comment” about a possible sushi range earlier this year had been overplayed and raw fish dishes were not on the way.

But new Mexican options, including onion bhaji, fiery pulled chicken and chipotle pulled beef burritos, will be available from today.

Greggs had already overhauled its menu, introducing its Balanced Choice range such as salads and yogurts, breakfast on-the-go and coffees, which drove sales up 5.6% in the three months to October 1. Same-store sales were 2.8% higher.

Whiteside warned of “industrywide cost pressures” next year due to inflation in commodity prices and the weak pound, but pledged to “do everything possible to mitigate the cost increases” rather than pass them on to customers.