Sales have soared at premium tea and coffee retailer Whittard of Chelsea, after customers flocked to sign up to its loyalty programme.
A fifth year of consecutive growth saw Whittard’s revenues swell by 15% to hit £56.8m. The company “significantly outpaced the sector” in the UK, with like-for-like sales growth of 13%.
Growth was largely attributed to a substantial increase in online traffic, according to accounts filed to Companies House for the year to 27 December 2025, though it said the company’s portfolio of flagship bricks & mortar stores “remained healthy with all open stores contributing positively”.
Whittard took £3.8m in operating profit, up from £2.4m the prior year. Profit before tax likewise jumped to £1.9m from £1.6m.
The company bills itself as selling “affordable luxuries that are perfect as self-treats or as gifts” and has focused on growing the number of customers who return to buy their goods regularly.
Whittard’s directors’ report boasted 13% growth in its active database of customers, while its loyalty programme grew to over 900,000 members in just under 15 months from launch.
“This was driven by a reduction in customer churn, more targeted win-back campaigns, and improved acquisition,” said CEO Nathan Smith in the report.
Whittard has meanwhile also expanded its presence abroad, opening an Asia hub in September 2025 and launching seasonal pop-ups in Hong Kong and New York.
The company celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2026 with festivities anchored around the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May.
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