Fans of Greggs’ sausage roll have been left feeling short-changed as the price of the treat has increased for the second time in just six months.
The bakery chain has upped the cost of the popular menu item by 5p to £1.30, sparking discontent among loyal customers. The new price has been rolled out at some North East locations, although prices may vary, with some branches charging as much as £1.40, reports Chronicle Live.
Linda Johnson, a 74 year old retired quality control inspector, voiced her dissatisfaction, saying: “It’s now £3.90 for four sausage rolls. I wouldn’t pay that – I would tell them to stick it. A sausage roll used to be £1, now it’s £1.30. I know everyone is watching their pennies but the whole point of Greggs is that it’s cheap and cheerful.”
She also noted other price hikes, including a 10p increase in the cost of a coffee from £1.60 to £1.70.
Heather Hife, 62, a carer, also expressed her disappointment, stating: “It’s disgraceful that they have raised their prices. They are a big company and are making a lot of profit. They shouldn’t be putting them up. The prices already went up before. I will stop buying sausage rolls when they reach £1.50.”
A Greggs employee said: “It went up just after Christmas. There have been a few complaints from regular customers who have noticed the increase.”
The cost of Greggs’ famed sausage roll has escalated from 85p in 2016, with several price rises over the years, including the latest in July which added an extra 5p to both the meat and vegan versions.
This news emerges as the bakery chain hinted at potential further price increases due to the impending rise in employer National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage this April. Greggs pointed out that “employment costs will result in further overall cost inflation, although wage increases should provide support to consumers”.
Despite hitting £2bn in annual sales for the first time last year, Greggs has seen growth decelerate, down from the previous quarter’s 5%. Chief Executive Roisin Currie recognised the impact of diminishing consumer confidence on high-street footfall and expenditure.
Nevertheless, she remains positive about the company’s future, saying: “Our value-for-money offer and the quality of our freshly prepared food and drink position us well to meet the headwinds we expect to see in the year ahead, and we remain confident in the significant long-term opportunity for growth.”
Greggs’ chief, Roisin Currie, has revealed that “minimal” price increases have been implemented in response to inflation – including a 5p rise on the iconic sausage roll. Other products have also seen price hikes, although the chain’s breakfast roll and hot drink deal remains at £2.85.
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