Northern Ireland-based grocer, wholesaler, foodservice supplier and retailer Henderson Group has reported an 8.7 per cent increase in turnover to £1.5 billion for 2025.
The group’s net profit before tax also increased to £76 million, according to its latest financial results filed by chief financial officer Neil Gamble.
Gamble said operating costs had been “controlled well” despite significant increases in wage costs, driven by inflation, increases in the National Minimum Wage and higher employer National Insurance contributions.
The group said it had sought to limit the impact of these cost increases on consumer prices by prioritising initiatives to improve operational efficiency, while continuing to invest in colleague remuneration and engagement and deliver better prices for shoppers.
Henderson Foodservice recorded particularly strong growth, with sales increasing 14.8 per cent to £289m in 2025.
Gamble said all sales channels within Henderson Foodservice experienced growth, with particularly strong performance among independent customers in the Republic of Ireland.
The group appointed an ROI country director during 2025 to support further growth in the market.
Growth was also supported by new retailer wins and the retention of existing retailers within Henderson's wholesale group in Northern Ireland, as well as the continued rollout of its Delish food-to-go brand across its store network.
Meanwhile, Barista Bar coffee-to-go continued to grow in England and Scotland, which Henderson said provided opportunities to further develop its offering outside Northern Ireland.
Henderson Group employed an average of 5,662 colleagues across its companies and retail estate during 2025, contributing more than £167m in wages.
The group also raised £1.8m for charity partners during the year.
Its SPAR charity partner Marie Curie reached £1m in fundraising since the partnership began in 2017, while EUROSPAR charity partner Cancer Fund for Children reached £2.2m since its partnership began in 2011.
For the first time, Henderson's Christmas partnership appeal for Tearfund raised more than £1m in 2025, reaching £1.037m.
Other organisations receiving donations included Action Mental Health, Children's Heartbeat Trust, Northern Ireland Children's Hospice, PIPs Charity and the Jack & Jill Foundation. A further £20,000 was distributed to community organisations and charities through the Community Cashback Grant.
Henderson's Payroll Giving scheme generated £447,000 during the year, with 20.5 per cent of colleagues – almost 1,200 people – signed up.
The group was subsequently recognised as a Diamond Level Organisation by the UK Payroll Giving Excellence Awards.