Pret boss has ‘no plans’ to pass cost increases onto cash-strapped customers

Pret’s chief executive Pano Christou has said he has no plans to pass recent cost increases driven by the US-Israel warn in Iran to customers, who “don’t have as much money... [and] are looking more for value”.

In an interview with the BBC, the food-to-go chain’s boss said: “We are looking at how we can do everything within our control to mitigate on costs, to protect our customers.”

In its most recent full-year results, Pret faced £20m in increased costs due to high levels of food price inflation, which it did not pass onto customers.

However, Christou did not rule out increasing Pret’s prices in the future if disruption continues.

Pret has unveiled its ‘biggest menu launch in years’ today, which includes a new range that promises 25g of protein per portion. It is offering a miso chicken rice bowl, a roasted salmon and mango protein plate, and a vegan Korean barbecue tofu ‘super plate’.

Pret is also launching a range of large barista-made drinks for the first time, including a blueberry latte, a guava iced matcha latte and iced green tea.

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