Greggs opens 150 new bakeries as more eat fast food

Greggs is planning to open 150 new bakeries this year as the cost of living crisis prompts more people to turn to fast food for their meals.

The baker runs more than 2,300 shops nationwide and eventually wants more than 3,000 branches.

Expansion plans were announced with figures showing Greggs’ sales jumped by 23pc last year to £1.5bn.

Chief executive Roisin Currie said diners were spending more at Greggs because of its “exceptional value” during the worst cost of living squeeze in decades.

Last year it began selling dinner items such as pizza and cooked chicken and says late evening and afternoon sales are the fastest-growing part of its business.