Greggs has been forced to apologise after it launched a novelty advent calendar featuring a picture of a nativity scene, after Christians complained.
The offending image – which replaced baby Jesus in the crib with a sausage roll – caused uproar when it was unveiled earlier this week as part of a promotional campaign by the high street baker, which has decided for the first time this year to sell branded advent calendars.
A limited number of the calendars will go on sale in selected Greggs’ shops from Monday, November 20, until stocks last, priced at £24. Behind each window is a money off token that can be exchanged for a discount n Greggs shops.
Among the publicity photos for the calendar are a Santa with pasty flakes on his beard, a Greggs shop in a snow globe and a steak bake on a festive table.
While the calendar has had a largely positive reaction, some people have been offended by the publicity surrounding it.
Simon Richards, CEO of the Freedom Association, called for a public protest. He tweeted: “Please boycott @GreggsOfficial to protest against its sick anti-Christian Advent Calendar. “What cowards these people are: we all know that they would never dare insult other religions!”
As a result of complaints a Greggs spokeswoman told The Northern Echo: “We’re really sorry to have caused any offence, this was never our intention.”
