Henderson Group, the SPAR UK wholesaler operating in Northern Ireland, was named as the Independent Retail Chain of the Year at the Grocer Gold Awards.

Five-time success

In its 10th year of consecutive growth, Henderson Group, which operates 114 SPAR and EUROSPAR stores across Northern Ireland, took home the prestigious award for the fifth time.

The Grocer Gold Awards are widely acclaimed throughout the UK retail industry as the most prestigious, recognising excellence in the FMCG sector. The awards evening took place at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Henderson Retail Managing Director, Mark McCammond, picked up the award alongside Stephen Hamilton, Henderson Retail Customer Proposition Director.

It is not the first time this recognition has been received by the Henderson Group. The company was awarded the Independent Retail Chain of the Year title firstly in 2017, then again in 2021, 2022, 2023 and now in 2025.

Judges noted the company’s growth, which outpaced market competitors, with a 7.7% increase in food sales and 5% increase in store footprint. Four new EUROSPAR supermarkets were also opened throughout 2024. The judges were also impressed with the retail organisation’s trading and efficiency developments, as well as the prioritisation of staff, and community initiatives with local organisations and charities.

Mark McCammond, Henderson Retail Managing Director, said: “The independent retail sector across the UK has an important role to play as shoppers seek alternative options to the multiples in the face of rising costs, which was certainly the case in 2024. The growth of our company owned EUROSPAR supermarkets has been pivotal, providing even more value on shoppers’ doorsteps, complemented by an array of local fresh foods, craft bakeries, award-winning butchers and convenient services like Post Office and forecourts.

“Over 75% of our fresh food is sourced from local suppliers, while our stores are run by local people in the community and that builds the trust in our brand and our company,” he continued.

Source: Henderson Group

Read more about SPAR UK.

About SPAR UK

The United Kingdom joined the SPAR retail network in 1956 when SPAR International granted a licence to operate the brand to a group of independent wholesalers. There are five regional organisations in the UK, continually building the brand’s presence through a strong collaborative system. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group. SPAR UK comprises independently owned, licensed, retailers and company-owned stores.