Henderson Retail, the company which operates 118 SPAR and EUROSPAR stores across Northern Ireland has been named Independent Retail Chain of the Year at the Grocer Gold Awards for the sixth time.

Announced recently at a gala evening at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Henderson Retail Managing Director, Mark McCammond picked up the award alongside the Retail Director George Rankin, Group Chief Financial Officer, Neil Gamble, Customer Proposition Director Stephen Hamilton and Henderson Wholesale Director John Driscoll.

The awards evening is widely acclaimed throughout the UK retail industry as the most prestigious, organised to recognise the excellence shown in the FMCG sector.

The Independent Retail Chain of the Year award has now been awarded to the company six times, first in 2017, then again in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025 and now 2026.

Judges noted the company’s growth in the past year, with total annual food sales growing by 10.5%, even better than last year’s 7.7% and once again outpacing the wider Northern Irish grocery market, which stands at 2.2% over the last twelve months. Food “like for like” sales were up 5.4%, with operational excellence across the board. Availability was highlighted with an on-shelf score of 99.1%. The company also added almost 10% more retail space in the past year and a £9.1m investment in pricing supported customers in a difficult economic environment.

Mr McCammond commented, “The recognition among leading industry peers across GB reflects the company’s growth and impact on a national level. Independent retailers across the UK continue to play a vital role as shoppers seek value, quality and convenience, as well as alternative options to the multiples in the face of rising costs.

“Over one thousand of our products are price matched to Tesco and over 75% of our fresh food is sourced from local suppliers, while our stores are run by local people in the community and that builds the trust in our brand and our company.

“The growth of our company owned EUROSPAR supermarkets has been pivotal, providing even more value on shoppers’ doorsteps, complemented by an array of local fresh foods, craft bakeries, award-winning butchers and convenient services like Post Office and forecourts.”

Judges of the awards were also impressed by Henderson Retail’s 4.6% wage increase for front-line workers, Hendersons’ high colleague retention, while charities, community groups and local organisations continue to be supported by the company and their stores.

Also shortlisted in the category were Abu Bakr Supermarket, James Convenience Retail, Park Garage Group and Sterling Meat Company. For a full list of winners, visit thegrocergoldawards.co.uk.

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