Greggs has agreed a trial with Moto Hospitality, the UK motorway service provider, to introduce shops at motorway service locations.

The trial is being undertaken in two Moto services and will be operated under a franchise agreement. The first of these will be in Lymm, Cheshire, planned to open in December.

This will enable Greggs and Moto to assess the market for Greggs’ freshly baked food within motorway services, as well as the viability of a franchise operation, which is new for Greggs.

The trial will run for 12 months and then a decision will be taken on whether to roll out to at least 30 locations across the Moto network.

Ken McMeikan, chief executive of Greggs, said: “We are delighted to team up with Moto in the motorway services market. They are an excellent operator and I hope this will be the beginning of a long and successful relationship. Making Greggs even more accessible to consumers as they travel will, I hope, be welcomed by both existing and new customers of Greggs.”

Tim Moss, chief executive of Moto, added: “We are delighted to be able to offer Greggs’ famous quality and value brand to our customers. The brand fits within our leading portfolio of franchise partners and offers even more choice for consumers.”

It follows similar moves by Pasty Presto, which has outlets at Roadchef service stations, and West Cornwall Pasty Co, the private equity-backed operator.

And it comes as Greggs looks to diverge, opening a new upmarket Greggs Moment coffee shop in its North East heartland.

>> Greggs grabs Moment in spotlight