But chairwoman Sonya Eastaugh said there was plenty to be proud of amid growth in brands such as Belazu
Jackson’s Bakery is based in Derringham Street
The owner of major Hull employer William Jackson Foods has talked of a challenging year in which the business swung to a loss. Sonya Eastaugh, chairwoman of the Hessle-based business and a sixth-generation family shareholder, said it had been a tough year in new accounts covering the 12 months to the end of April 2025.
The group’s Wellocks company – which delivers ingredients to restaurants across the country – is said to have faced challenges amid well known difficulties in the hospitality market and on the back of disruption caused by new software systems being introduced. It saw problems in the premium restaurant market, where several customers closed.
Those issues, along with investment in one of the group’s bread factories in Hull and spending on marketing to boost growth, led to a slowdown in turnover growth and an operating loss of £6.5m, compared with an operating profit of £532,000 the year before. Workforce numbers actually grew, mainly across its sales and administration functions, with the group headcount growing to about 1,868.
Despite the challenges, Ms Eastaugh said there was much for the historic group to be proud of, having been recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list for the second year running and several awards for refillable plastic milk bottles launched by its Abel & Cole brand, which also saw the introduction of other new products including sustainable food and drink brands and Eat 30 Plants boxes designed to help customers get more plants into their diets.
Meanwhile, the group’s Belazu brand – which offers premium Mediterranean and Middle Eastern ingredients – enjoyed double digit sales growth on the back of stocking in new retailers, including in Marks & Spencer. Amid a handful of Great Taste awards during they year, Belazu also launched new product such as shakshuka and chargrilled pepper pastes, miso stock pots and new oils, including those in collaboration with chef Brett Graham, the co-owner of three Michelin Star restaurants.
At the group’s bakery business, Jacksons, a new look was given to its ‘Jacksons of Yorkshire’ loaves, including new packaging. Jacksons is now said to be one of the fastest growing factory-made breads in the market.
In 2024 the group’s acquisition of a West Yorkshire-based craft bakery boosted Jacksons’ range to include Yorkshire parkin cake, shortbread hot cross tarts and Yorkshire parkin Easter eggs. The brand’s first TV advert is due to launch this year.
Ms Eastaugh said: “After navigating a challenging year, we look ahead to the next chapter – with a new CEO in place – excited to build on our strong foundations, with a relentless focus on quality, innovation, and customer experience. We will continue to leverage our outstanding brands and products to ensure even more people can enjoy great food, proudly made and responsibly sourced for generations.
“All of this is only possible thanks to the support of our shareholders and the hard work, dedication, and talent of our 2,000-strong William Jackson family.”
The year also saw the appointment of CEO Paul Murphy, who joined William Jackson from Associated British Foods where he held a number of senior roles. Mr Murphy has worked with household brands such as Dorset Cereals, Jordans, Ryvita, Bacardi and Speedibake.