WOW STORY OF THE DAY - Sandwiches & Sustainability: How Pret’s $1B+ Empire Is Reinventing Grab-and-Go Gourmet |

Updated: January 07, 2026 20:58

Image Source: University Of Warwick

Pret A Manger, founded in London in 1986, grew into a $1B+ global brand across 15+ countries by betting on fresh, handmade food and donating unsold meals. In 2025, Pret is reinventing itself with sustainability initiatives, hybrid store formats, and meal deals, aiming to balance profitability with purpose.

Pret A Manger’s journey is a lesson in how values can scale. Starting with one London shop in 1986, Pret differentiated itself by preparing food fresh daily and donating unsold items to charities — a unique fact that built consumer trust and loyalty.

By 2024, Pret had reached 717 shops worldwide, generating £1.2B in sales (a 10% increase year-over-year). However, inflation, rising labor costs, and shifting consumer habits created turbulence, leading to a £525M pre-tax loss. In 2025, Pret began a strategic overhaul, reporting £11.2M earnings in Q2, signaling recovery.

Pret’s new strategy focuses on sustainability, affordability, and innovation. From sourcing 100% GAP-certified chicken to testing meal deal formats that compete with supermarkets, Pret is adapting while staying true to its ethos of quality. Hybrid store formats designed for flexible work lifestyles and expanded international growth are also part of its roadmap.

Notable Updates

Revenue Growth: Global sales hit £1.2B in 2024, up 10% year-over-year.
Profit Recovery: Q2 2025 earnings of £11.2M mark a turnaround from 2024’s losses.
Expansion: Pret operates 717 shops globally, with 11% net shop growth in 2024.
Sustainability: Commitment to 100% GAP-certified chicken sourcing and continued food donation programs.
Innovation: Testing meal deals and hybrid store formats to attract value-conscious and remote-working customers.

Major Takeaways

Unique Differentiator: Pret’s daily fresh preparation and food donation model remain its cultural edge.
Resilience: Despite financial turbulence, Pret’s recovery shows adaptability in a changing hospitality landscape.
Learning Point: Businesses that embed sustainability into their DNA can build long-term trust and resilience.
Future Outlook: Pret’s pivot toward affordability and sustainability suggests its next bold bite may be redefining grab-and-go for a post-pandemic, hybrid-work era.

Why This Matters

Pret’s story is proof that purpose-driven innovation can scale globally. By betting on fresh, handmade food when rivals stayed processed, Pret built a $1B+ empire. Its current reinvention highlights a key lesson: brands that balance quality, sustainability, and affordability can thrive even in turbulent times.

Sources: AInvest, Pret A Manger – FY 2024 Results, Pret A Manger Sustainability Reports

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