// Pret A Manger to sell frozen croissants in Tesco stores after agreeing deal with the Big 4 grocer
// Dressings and sauces are in consideration for sale in supermarkets in the future
// The Tesco deal is an effort for Pret A Manger to adapt to the “new normal” and counteract the effect of lockdowns
Pret A Manger is set to sell baked treats in Tesco stores after it struck a deal with the Big 4 grocer.
The food-to-go chain has agreed a deal that would initially see frozen Pret A Manger croissants for baking at home sold in 700 Tesco stores.
Pret A Manger managing director Clare Clough said dressings and sauces were in consideration for sale in supermarkets in the future.
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The Tesco deal is an effort for Pret A Manger to adapt to the “new normal” and counteract the effect of lockdowns, such as the expected permanent shift in working patterns in city centres and a wave of stores closures.
It also hopes to win new customers ahead of a plan to open sites in suburban areas.
Owned by German investment group JAB Holdings, Pret A Manger already sells coffee via Amazon, Ocado, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose.
Last September, Pret A Manger launched a subscription service for drinks, which allows customers to have a barista-prepared drink up to five times a day at £20 per month.
The pandemic has been challenging for the chain, with sales plunging 80 per cent at one point.
Last summer, Pret A Manger axed around 2900 roles as part of a restructuring which saw it close 30 shops.
In October, it announced plans to close another six shops and cut around 400 jobs.
While half of Pret A Manger’s 390 stores remain closed, around half of its staff are on furlough.
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