CJ Lang & Son has reported another year of steady growth and sustained investment despite facing what it described as one of the most challenging trading environments in recent memory.
The family-owned SPAR wholesaler and leading Scottish convenience retailer saw group net turnover rise by £2m to £255m for the year ending 27 April 2025. EBITDA came in at £6.8m with operating profit before exceptional costs at £2.35m.
CEO Colin McLean said sales remained robust despite profits being “inevitably squeezed” by a tough backdrop that included poor summer weather in 2024, rising energy costs, wage and tax pressures from the UK budget, and recruitment difficulties in a cooling labour market. New HFSS rules and Scotland’s forthcoming Deposit Return Scheme are also set to add further complexity from 2026.
“We must continually adapt to changing consumer habits, new legislation, and supply chain unpredictability,” McLean said. “What sets us apart is that we are genuinely Scottish, with our own depot, network of vehicles, and a team of colleagues embedded in communities across the country. That gives us agility and control over our own destiny, and we will continue to invest in the areas that make a real difference for our customers and retailers.”
Store conversions and tech upgrades boost business mix
The company continued to reshape its business mix during the year, expanding food to go, strengthening its value proposition and increasing its range of local and hyper-local products.
A major milestone was reached with the completion of refits for the three former Eddy’s Food Station stores and nine Scotfresh stores acquired last year, all now trading under the SPAR Scotland fascia.
CJ Lang also completed one of the largest technology investments in its history, rolling out Electronic Shelf Edge Labels and digital screens across all company-owned stores. Its Barista Bar coffee offer continued its rapid expansion and is now available in more than 100 company-owned stores, as well as a growing number of independents.
Further investment across its supply chain included new vehicles, upgraded warehouse equipment and the rollout of the Relex demand planning and forecasting platform to boost availability and stock accuracy.
Tradeshow highlights retailer collaboration
The wholesaler showcased its achievements and future ambitions at its SPAR Scotland Tradeshow in Aviemore in September, attracting nearly 900 suppliers, retailers and industry partners. Under the theme ‘Inspiring Success’, the event highlighted CJ Lang’s plans to build a “stronger, smarter, more connected” business.
“Our independent retailers are the heartbeat of SPAR Scotland,” said McLean. “Their innovation, community spirit and commitment to customers continue to inspire us every day.”
The group also delivered more than £300,000 in community donations during the financial year and continued to attract new retailers through its ‘Discover SPAR Scotland’ campaign, supported by an expanding digital presence including hyper-local social media activity, a new TikTok channel and the upcoming launch of its CJ’s loyalty app.
Gamification, loyalty and growth plans for 2026
Looking ahead, CJ Lang will launch its Spin into Spring gamification campaign in March 2026, offering shoppers daily prizes and a top reward of £10,000.
Despite regulatory and economic pressures, the CEO said the business remains focused on the areas it can control. “We will continue to invest in our people, our systems and our stores,” McLean said. “We are proud to be local, agile, and deeply rooted in Scottish communities, but we also have the strength and scale of SPAR UK and SPAR International behind us. That combination gives us confidence for the future.”
He added: “We know how incredibly difficult things are, but by continuing to stay focused on our short and long term plans we are confident we can deliver a compelling offer for all.”