The joint chairs of Northern Ireland convenience retail giant Henderson Group are among a number of food, drink and retail industry figures recognised in the King's Birthday Honours 2026.
Geoffrey Agnew and Martin Agnew have both been awarded MBEs for services to business and the community in Northern Ireland, recognising their leadership of the family-owned business behind the SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO, ViVOXTRA and ViVO Essentials brands across the province.
Speaking about the honours, the pair said: "We are honoured to accept these awards on behalf of all our colleagues in the Henderson Group and our fantastic retailers, trade customers, and suppliers. Without their contribution, the business would not have grown in the way it has over the last 40 years.
"We acknowledge the guidance of our father, John Agnew CBE, and our late grandfather, W.A. Agnew, who both set the standard and values for this business, including the practice of stewardship. As God has blessed us and this business, so we seek to make a lasting difference to the communities in which we trade."
This year marks 40 years since the brothers joined the business after graduating from Ulster University. They succeeded their father, John Agnew, as joint managing directors in 1998, positions they held until 2025.
Under their stewardship, Henderson Group has invested around £300 million in its operations, developing logistics infrastructure and a retail estate of more than 500 company-owned and independent stores serving communities across Northern Ireland.
Today, the business employs more than 6,000 people and contributes £167m in wages to the local economy each year. Henderson Wholesale supplies retailers trading under the SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO, ViVOXTRA and ViVO Essentials banners, making the group one of the most significant operators in the Northern Ireland convenience sector.
The King's Birthday Honours this year recognise 1,182 people from across the UK for their contributions to communities, public service, business, sport and the arts.
Anna TaylorPhoto: LinkedIn
Elsewhere, Anna Taylor, executive director of the Food Foundation, was awarded a DBE for services to reforming the food system.
Taylor joined the charity in 2015 after holding senior nutrition policy roles with the Department for International Development and has been a prominent voice in debates around food insecurity, healthy diets and food policy reform. She previously received an OBE in 2014 for work tackling global undernutrition.
Several senior figures from the food and drink industry also received OBEs.
John Grant, chair of Scotch whisky producer J&G Grant, was recognised for services to the Scotch whisky industry and to charity. Grant is the sixth generation of his family to lead Glenfarclas Distillery, one of Scotland's best-known family-owned whisky producers.
Maitland ‘Mac’ Mackie, executive chairman of Mackie's of Scotland, received an OBE for services to farming, business innovation and sustainability. Mackie's has grown from a family farm business into one of the UK's leading premium ice cream brands, while becoming known for its investment in renewable energy and sustainable production.
Aline Santos Farhat Photo: LinkedIn
Former Unilever executive Aline Santos Farhat was awarded an OBE for services to the retail industry. Santos spent 35 years with Unilever, serving as chief brand officer and chief equity, diversity and inclusion officer before leaving the business in 2024. She now holds a portfolio of advisory and trustee roles.
Gary Stott, executive chairman of Community Shop, also received an OBE for services to the circular economy and building communities. Community Shop works with manufacturers and retailers to redistribute surplus products that would otherwise go to waste, supporting households through a network of social supermarkets.
The government said this year's honours list reflected efforts to improve diversity and representation, with 11.5 per cent of recipients coming from ethnic minority backgrounds, including 5.29 per cent from Asian ethnic groups and 3.29 per cent from a black ethnic group. Overall, 15.6 per cent of honourees declared a disability or long-term health condition, while 66 per cent of recipients live outside London and the South East.
Announcing this year's honours, prime minister Keir Starmer said the recipients were helping to strengthen communities across the country.
"Across the UK, people are quietly changing lives and strengthening their communities. This Honours List is a chance to recognise them," he said.
"Their dedication shows how lasting change is built – through compassion, resilience and a commitment to others."
The prime minister added that the recipients' contributions reflected "the decent, hopeful country we are proud to be".