A sushi and a sausage roll? North East bakers Greggs considers expanding its menu

Customers could soon swap their Greggs savouries for sushi the boss of the North East bakers has said.

Chief executive Roger Whiteside told the Press Association that Britain'sbiggest baker is planning to ramp up its healthy eating options as demand surges for its salads and yoghurts.

He also said he is considering branching out even further from its traditionalstaples of sausage rolls and doughnuts into Mexican food, and potentially even sushi.

Greggs currently sells products such as teriyaki chicken noodle and falafel with houmous, which have proved a hit with customers.

Its healthy food range now accounts for 10% of sales and is seeing double digit growth, helping it notch up a 25% rise in profits to £73 million last year.

"We accept that the trend is moving away from over indulging in things likedoughnuts and sausage rolls. We have our base, our identity if you like, but the key is to offer a variety of food that everyone can afford," Mr Whitesideadded.

Mr Whiteside added that the firm is looking to open up to 70 new stores,creating over 1,000 new jobs in the process.

Greggs, which has its headquarters in Newcastle, already has 1,720 shops and will target travel locations and office parks for new premises.