Greggs Returns to International Markets with New Store at Tenerife South Airport

May 12, 2026, 18:32
EuropeInternational

Introduction

The UK bakery chain Greggs is opening a new shop at Tenerife South Airport, marking its first move into international markets in about sixteen years.

Main Body

Greggs chose Tenerife South Airport because it handles 13 million passengers every year, and about 50% of these travelers are from the UK. This makes it a safe environment for the company to test if its business model works outside of Britain. Although the company had stores in Belgium back in 2008, this new project represents a serious effort to grow globally once again. The store will be located in the international departures area and will be managed together with Lagardere Travel Retail, a global company that runs over 5,000 sites in 50 countries. The shop will have seating for 92 customers and will offer a mix of products. While they will sell their usual UK favorites, the menu will also include local items, such as a Spanish omelette roll and bottled orange juice, to appeal to the local environment. Furthermore, this expansion follows a trend where other UK hospitality brands are entering Europe. For example, Wetherspoons recently entered the mainland and plans to open stores at Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Company leaders have emphasized that this project is a pilot phase to see if their low-cost model can be scaled up in other countries.

Conclusion

Greggs will begin operating at Tenerife South Airport soon, using its partnership with Lagardere Travel Retail to attract British travelers.

Learning

🚀 The 'Flexibility' Shift: Moving from A2 to B2

At the A2 level, you usually describe things as they are. To hit B2, you need to describe how things change, adapt, or scale.

The linguistic goldmine in this text: The concept of "Scaling" and "Adapting."

Look at these two phrases from the article:

  1. "...test if its business model works outside of Britain."
  2. "...see if their low-cost model can be scaled up in other countries."

💡 Why this matters for your fluency

An A2 student says: "They want to open more shops in other countries." (Simple, correct, but basic).

A B2 student says: "They are testing whether their model can be scaled up internationally."

Scale up is a phrasal verb that means to increase something in size or scale. Using this instead of "make bigger" immediately signals to a listener that you have professional, upper-intermediate English.

🛠️ The "Hybrid" Strategy

Notice how Greggs isn't just copying their UK menu. They are using a mix of products:

  • The Standard: UK favorites (the baseline).
  • The Adaptation: Spanish omelette rolls (the local twist).

B2 Tip: When discussing business or travel, stop using the word "different." Instead, use "a mix of" or "tailored to."

Instead of: "They have different food for Spain." Try: "They offer a mix of UK favorites and items tailored to the local environment."

⚡ Quick Upgrade Table

A2 Word (Simple)B2 Transition (Professional)Context from Text
Big moveSerious effort"...represents a serious effort to grow..."
StartBegin operating"...will begin operating at Tenerife..."
ManyOver 5,000 sitesUsing specific numbers to show scale.

The takeaway: To move to B2, stop describing the object and start describing the strategy.

Vocabulary Learning

international (adj)
relating to more than one country; worldwide.
Example:Greggs is opening its first international store at Tenerife South Airport.
model (n)
a simplified representation or plan that shows how something works.
Example:The business model of Greggs focuses on quick, affordable food.
expansion (n)
the process of growing or extending something.
Example:The expansion into Europe marks a new chapter for the company.
trend (n)
a general direction in which something is developing or changing.
Example:The trend of UK brands entering Europe is growing.
hospitality (n)
the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests.
Example:Hospitality brands like Wetherspoons are expanding across the continent.
brand (n)
a type of product or service identified by a particular name or logo.
Example:Greggs is a well‑known British brand.
pilot (n)
a small‑scale test of a new project or idea.
Example:The new airport store is a pilot phase for future openings.
low-cost (adj)
priced at a low level; inexpensive.
Example:Greggs offers a low‑cost model that attracts many customers.
scaled (adj)
adjusted or expanded to a larger size or scope.
Example:The company hopes to scale its operations across Europe.
partnership (n)
a relationship in which two or more parties work together.
Example:Greggs' partnership with Lagardere helps them reach more travelers.
attract (v)
to draw someone or something toward oneself.
Example:The store aims to attract British travelers at the airport.
seating (n)
the arrangement or provision of seats.
Example:The shop will have seating for 92 customers.
mix (n)
a combination or blend of different items.
Example:The menu offers a mix of UK favorites and local items.
products (n)
things that are made or sold.
Example:The shop will sell a range of products including pastries and drinks.
favorites (n)
things that are especially liked.
Example:Greggs' UK favorites include sausage rolls and pasties.
menu (n)
a list of items available for purchase.
Example:The menu will also include local Spanish dishes.
include (v)
to contain or have as part of something.
Example:The menu includes bottled orange juice.
local (adj)
relating to the area where something is located.
Example:Local items help the store appeal to Spanish travelers.
appeal (v)
to attract or interest someone.
Example:The menu is designed to appeal to a diverse clientele.
mainland (n)
the main part of a country, excluding islands.
Example:Wetherspoons entered the mainland of Spain.
emphasized (v)
to give special importance to something.
Example:Company leaders emphasized the pilot nature of the project.
passengers (n)
people who travel in a vehicle such as a plane.
Example:The airport handles 13 million passengers each year.
environment (n)
the surrounding conditions or setting.
Example:The store will adapt to the local environment.
customers (n)
people who buy goods or services.
Example:The shop will serve many customers during peak hours.
sites (n)
specific locations where something is situated.
Example:Lagardere operates over 5,000 sites worldwide.
countries (n)
nation states.
Example:The company has a presence in 50 countries.
handle (v)
to manage or deal with something.
Example:The airport handles millions of passengers annually.
global (adj)
relating to the whole world.
Example:Greggs aims to become a global brand.
travelers (n)
people who journey from one place to another.
Example:The store targets British travelers at the airport.
effort (n)
an attempt or effort to achieve something.
Example:The project represents a serious effort to grow.