Gail’s bakery chain announces expansion plans
Bakery chain Gail’s is planning to open 40 new outlets, having created nearly 500 jobs during its most recent fiscal year, reports BritPanorama.
Headquartered in London, the company has stated that all new locations will be operational by February 28, 2026, with further expansion plans anticipated “going forward.” This decision follows the opening of 36 new sites in the financial year ending February 2025, resulting in a workforce increase to more than 4,000 people.
Recently submitted accounts to Companies House indicate that the bakery’s revenue rose from £231.7 million to £278 million in the twelve months prior to February 28, 2025. Additionally, its wholesale revenue grew from £83.7 million to £96.3 million, while retail earnings increased from £179 million to £219.8 million.
However, the company’s pre-tax loss widened slightly from £7.4 million to £7.8 million during the same period. A spokesperson for Gail’s expressed satisfaction with the year-on-year growth, attributing this success to rising demand for high-quality food and support from local communities.
Furthermore, Gail’s is overseen by chairman Luke Johnson, CEO Tom Molnar, restaurant investor Henry McGovern, and director Bradley Palmer. The bakery chain’s valuation has fluctuated dramatically since March 2024, moving from an estimated £200 million to £500 million as of December last year.
Bain Capital, which owns Gail’s, has reportedly resumed its search for new investors in the bakery chain, engaging Goldman Sachs to explore potential options for the company.
In an official statement, the board noted strong trading throughout the past year, highlighting the opening of 36 new retail bakeries and continued growth in established locations. The wholesale segment also expanded significantly, bolstered by success in supplying several large UK supermarket businesses.
Guided by ongoing investments in new retail spaces, Gail’s plans to further broaden its geographic footprint across the UK while enhancing production capabilities at its central bakeries in Milton Keynes.
The developments depict not only an ambitious growth trajectory for Gail’s but also reflect a strategic response to evolving consumer preferences in the bakery sector.
