C J Lang & Son sees continued growth amid cautious optimism

CJ Lang & Son Ltd, the family-owned Scottish SPAR wholesaler and leading convenience retailer, reported another annual increase in underlying profit as it continues to execute its strategy for profitable growth.

The long-established business, based in Dundee, published its financial statement for the period ended 28 April 2024, with Group net turnover up 14.2% to £253m and pre-tax profits increasing by 8.0% to £4.0m.

In the last year, the company has acquired 12 new company stores.  Three of the former Eddy’s Food Station stores, together with the Scotfresh Group of 9 convenience stores.  All of the 12 stores are now being converted into the SPAR Scotland family.

The company has continued to further invest over the past 12 months, with several major store refits at Kilwinning, Lawthorn and Erskine.  The roll out of the exclusive Barista Coffee offer, together with digital screens and electronic shelf edge labels has helped modernise the overall customer shopping experience.  Their head office in Dundee has also undergone a major refit, encouraging colleagues back into a modern, relaxed environment.

Building for future supply chain success, there has also been significant investment in vehicles, equipment and forecasting and demand planning systems to improve customer availability.

The company shared their success to date and future direction at the C J Lang SPAR Scotland tradeshow at the end of September in Aviemore.  This attracted almost 850 leading FMCG suppliers, SPAR independent retailers and colleagues to celebrate the successes of the past year and the company’s exciting plans for the future.  The event also recognised the importance of their independent SPAR retailers and celebrated a number of  long standing family relationships as the business continues to grow its symbol group estate across Scotland.

CJ Lang & Son Ltd CEO Colin McLean said: “We have delivered robust growth over the last 12 months and achieved another year of strong sales and profits. However, this year the summer was against us and the year ahead presents challenges we must be prepared for. 

“Rising operational costs, combined with changing consumer habits and supply chain unpredictability are critical factors that will continue to shape the year ahead.

“We have had another strong year but we cannot rest on our laurels. As a genuinely Scottish family based business, we are well positioned to continue our journey to meet the needs and support of our customers with the best that SPAR Scotland can offer.”

“Our stores serve communities of all sizes across Scotland; our customers are our neighbours. I would like to thank them, along with our suppliers, independent retailers and all our colleagues, for their continued support.”

Whilst we recognise there are still a number of opportunities to gain from our business turnaround at SPAR Scotland, we are delighted that the business has picked up a number of high profile awards over the past 12 months, at both local and international level.”