Greggs boss links weight loss drugs to shift in customer eating habits

The chief executive of Greggs has said there is “no doubt” that the growing use of weight loss drugs is changing how people eat, with customers increasingly opting for smaller portions and healthier food choices.

Roisin Currie said appetite-suppressing medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are influencing consumer behaviour, contributing to reduced sales volumes for the bakery chain. She said customers are now seeking foods that are higher in protein and fibre and moving away from traditional high-fat, calorie-dense options.

Greggs, best known for its pasties, pastries and cakes, has already begun adapting its product range in response to these changes. The company has previously acknowledged that shifting dietary habits have prompted it to move away from some of its more indulgent offerings.

Currie’s comments came as Greggs reported weaker-than-expected profits and issued a cautious outlook for the year ahead. She said the company is responding to what she described as a “broader health trend”, with growing demand for higher-protein products and lighter snack options.

In July, Greggs announced plans to target customers using weight loss medications by introducing smaller portion sizes and more protein-rich foods. The company has since launched new items, including its egg-pot product, alongside its “Eggs at Greggs” marketing campaign.

“We have to make sure that we’ve got some of the snack products that customers are looking for if they are on any of the GLP-1 drugs,” Currie said.

Greggs is not alone in noticing the shift. Several major retailers have reported changes in customer purchasing habits linked to the rising use of weight management medications.

Tesco said a trend towards healthier eating had contributed to growth in sales of fresh produce. Chief executive Ken Murphy said the supermarket was monitoring customer behaviour closely as the use of weight loss drugs increases. He added that Tesco offers a range of “GLP-1 friendly” options, including fresh foods and high-protein products.

Consumer analyst Clive Black, from Shore Capital, said a slight fall in grocery volumes over the Christmas period compared with the previous year may reflect the early impact of GLP-1 medications on national eating habits.