Pret A Manger to trial first meal deal to boost growth

Pret A Manger is to trial a new meal deal format in a bid to take a slice of the lunch market from supermarkets.

The coffee chain said it will test the format in the final quarter of 2025 in a bid to provide more “value-driven” offers for customers.

Pret has not specified how much the deal will cost, but The Guardian reported it will include a croissant and coffee for breakfast; crisps and a bread-based sandwich; and any lunch main with a snack and drink.

The launch follows a mixed set of results for Pret, which was acquired by Panera Bread owner JAB Holdings for £1.5b in 2018.

Pret’s worldwide sales grew 10% to £1.2b in the 12 months to 2 January 2025, while adjusted EBITDA grew 36% to £98m.

However, the chain reported a pre-tax loss of £525.5m last year after being hit by a £552.9m write down, which the company said took into account the “uncertain” global economic environment and additional costs introduced in the UK’s 2024 Autumn Budget, according to The Guardian.

Pret now operates over 700 worldwide stores, a growth of 11% in 2024.

Chief executive Pano Christou said said: “2024 was another year of growth for Pret, where we took disciplined decisions to protect sales, despite intense strains on the hospitality industry.

“Going forward our priority will be to drive transactions and sustainable growth by offering great value for money for Pret customers. Our focus will be on growing Pret’s market share in the UK and internationally, prioritising city centres and travel hubs, backed by the experience and expertise of additional world-class board members and a strengthened management team.”

Earlier this summer it was reported JAB Holdings is working with advisors to bring new investment into the business – potentially through an initial public offering.

It follows a period of change at Pret, which last year scrapped its five-drinks-a-day subscription service and replaced it with a £5 a month deal, giving members up to 50% off barista-made drinks daily. The coffee chain said the change had helped it absorb around £25m in additional costs.

This summer the chain begun trialling a new ‘family-friendly’ café format with a larger dine-in area and a play area for young children in Dundee and Maidenhead.

It has also launched a range of salads which are 60% larger than its original offer in a bid to compete with growing salad brands such as Atis and the Salad Project.

Clare Clough, managing director of Pret in the UK and Europe, is set to step down after 15 years with the business.

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