Foodservice

UK bakery chain eyes vending machine rollout

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March 16, 2026

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British bakery chain Greggs is exploring the possibility of offering its popular bakery items through vending machines in the U.K. as part of a broader push into new retail formats, according to a Metro report.

The company said it plans to begin trials of unattended retail solutions soon, following encouraging results from its smaller "Bitesize" store concept. These compact locations, which offer a limited selection of food and drinks, are operating in places such as train stations, airports, and retail parks.

The trials will include both automated and manual vending solutions, according to Greggs CFO Richard Hutton. While the company has not yet revealed specific locations for the machines, it said the goal is to reach smaller spaces that cannot support a full Greggs store. By using vending technology, the chain hopes to expand into underserved areas and create new growth opportunities.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase customer convenience and generate additional revenue streams. Greggs executives indicated that several other innovations are also under development behind the scenes, though details have not yet been disclosed.

Greggs operates more than 2,600 locations across the U.K. and believes there is still room for expansion. The company has set a long-term goal of exceeding 3,000 sites nationwide, suggesting that alternative retail formats such as vending machines could play an important role in its future growth strategy.