Ireland-based Greencore has reported a 29% increase in adjusted operating profit for the 52-week period ending 26 September 2025, reflecting operational improvements across its manufacturing and business processes.

Revenue rose 7.7% to £1.95 billion, underpinned by new business wins, underlying volume growth, and pricing strategies.

The operational excellence programme contributed a 4% productivity improvement over the previous year, supported by continued investment in next-generation automation and targeted process efficiency initiatives. Greencore’s ‘Making Business Easier’ transformation programme advanced several operational projects, optimising performance and streamlining workflows across its 13,300-strong workforce.

Adjusted operating margin increased by 110 basis points to 6.5%, while cash conversion improved to 66.5%, driven by enhanced working capital management. Return on invested capital rose 3.5 percentage points to 15%, reflecting stronger operational execution and profitability.

Capital investment reached £43.4 million, up 34% year on year, focusing on automation, plant upgrades, and efficiency-enhancing infrastructure.

Greencore’s manufactured volume grew 2.5%, with underlying volume up 1.1%, surpassing the wider grocery market growth of 0.7%. Innovation remained central, with 534 new products launched in FY25, enhancing competitiveness and operational throughput.

Looking ahead, FY26 trading has started positively, despite ongoing inflationary pressures and UK economic uncertainty. The planned acquisition of Bakkavor Group plc, pending regulatory approval, is expected to strengthen operational scale and product capabilities, with divestment of the Bristol chilled soups and sauces site progressing under CMA oversight.

CEO Dalton Phillips emphasised that the operational excellence initiatives, combined with strategic investments and integration planning, are central to maintaining performance momentum and delivering sustainable growth in efficiency, productivity, and cost management.

Explore how Greencore’s operational excellence initiatives are shaping productivity and growth in the convenience food sector in the full story.