CJ Lang & Son has increased turnover by 0.8% to £255m for the year ended 27 April 2025, as it enhanced its food to go offer and value-led proposition.
The Scottish Spar wholesaler said it showed resilience despite “one of the most challenging trading environments in recent memory”.
While it delivered EBITDA of £6.8m, the second-highest level in the company’s history, its operating profit dropped from under £4m to £2.4m because of rising operating costs and poor summer weather in 2024, it explained.
CEO Colin McLean said the business, however, remained firmly focused on food to go, value, and technology to drive growth.
It continued its “rapid rollout” of Barista Bar coffee machines, which were now available in over 100 company-owned stores and 20 independents.
McLean said its breakfast deal, which bundles a hot drink with a breakfast item for £3.25, drove high footfall into stores while offering strong margins for retailers.
He added CJ Lang had put a greater focus on promotions and everyday low pricing, such as £1 deals on essential products, to enhance its value credentials.
It also introduced more local products to reflect “Scotland’s diverse regional tastes”, with 50% of the product it sold now coming from local suppliers.
CJ Lang also completed the rollout of electronic shelf labels across all 113 company-owned stores, one of the largest technology investments in its history. It went live with forecasting platform Relex to improve product availability and stock accuracy and made a “significant investment” in new vehicles and warehouse equipment to strengthen its supply chain.
Following the acquisition of three former Eddy’s Food Station stores and nine Scotfresh convenience stores last year, CJ Lang confirmed all sites had now been fully refitted, converted to the Spar fascia, and were performing well.
“We must continually adapt to changing consumer habits, new legislation, and supply chain unpredictability,” said McLean. “Yet, 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.
“We would like to thank all your customers, suppliers and colleagues for their support over the past 12 months. 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.”
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