Bunzl has reported growth in its UK & Ireland business in 2025, with the full-year contribution from catering equipment distributor Nisbets the main driver of the region’s performance.
Revenue in the division increased to £1.88 billion, a reported improvement of almost 16%. Excluding the impact of Nisbets – acquired in May 2024 – underlying sales were up by 1.4% year on year, supported by higher volumes and customer wins. The company said improved ordering from existing customers and gains from new accounts contributed to a stronger finish to the year.
Meanwhile, in Ireland, Bunzl noted “strong sales growth and synergy opportunities” from September 2025’s acquisition of Caterline as well as some “significant customer wins” in the retail and foodservice sectors.
Adjusted operating profit for UK&I rose to £153.1 million, although operating margin edged down to 8.1% from 8.3%. Bunzl attributed the margin pressure primarily to the seasonal mix impact from consolidating Nisbets, whose catering activities typically generate lower margins in the first half.
Performance improved in H2 as integration progressed. Bunzl said the region benefited from stronger-than-expected synergies, including procurement savings and third-party logistics efficiencies, while Nisbets itself delivered sales and operating profit growth later in the year.
The group’s foodservice operations were a particular bright spot, with robust profit growth driven by pricing adjustments, new account wins and cost discipline. Irish operations also recorded solid underlying growth following customer wins in retail and foodservice.
Elsewhere, cleaning, hygiene and care activities experienced continued product price deflation during the year, although this moderated as 2025 progressed. Bunzl added that its largest business in the segment continued to secure new customers, helped by a sustainability-led value proposition.
Safety operations saw a decline in underlying revenue as volume reductions with existing customers outweighed contract gains, while grocery and non-food retail supplies experienced slightly lower sales due to weaker volumes and subdued consumer sentiment. However, profits in grocery remained stable.
