Artisan bakery chain Gail's has unveiled ambitious plans to open 40 new locations across the UK by the end of February 2026, following a year of significant growth where it created almost 500 new jobs.
Rapid Expansion and Financial Performance
The London-headquartered business confirmed all new sites will be operational by 28 February, 2026. This aggressive rollout follows the successful opening of 36 new bakeries in the previous financial year ending February 2025. The company has indicated it intends to maintain this pace of expansion in the future.
Newly filed accounts at Companies House reveal a robust financial performance. Gail's total revenue climbed from £231.7 million to £278 million over the 12 months to 28 February 2025. This growth was driven by both sides of the business.
Wholesale revenue increased from £83.7 million to £96.3 million, while retail earnings saw a substantial jump from £179 million to £219.8 million. To support this growth, the company's headcount expanded from 3,534 to 4,022 employees. However, the chain's pre-tax loss also widened slightly, from £7.4 million to £7.8 million.
Investment and Ownership Developments
The expansion is backed by significant investment in infrastructure. The board highlighted ongoing investments in new retail openings and a push into wider geographic areas within the UK. Substantial capital has also been allocated to production capabilities, with more lines moving into the new central bakeries in Milton Keynes.
Gail's, led by chairman Luke Johnson, chief executive Tom Molnar, and investor Henry McGovern, is currently valued at an estimated £500 million. This marks a sharp increase from a reported £200 million valuation in March 2024.
Its owner, Bain Capital, has reportedly renewed its search for new investors in the bakery chain. Financial giant Goldman Sachs has been retained to explore strategic options for the company, signalling potential future changes in ownership or investment structure.
Strategic Outlook for the Bakery Chain
In a signed statement, the board expressed confidence in the company's trajectory. "Over the year, trading was strong – with the group opening 36 new retail bakeries and continuing to see healthy growth in our established locations," they said.
The statement also pointed to the strength of the wholesale division, which supplies a large food service business from its bakeries in London, Manchester, and Bath, and benefits from successful brand partnerships with several major UK supermarkets.
This period of rapid growth for Gail's underscores the enduring consumer demand for premium artisan bakery products and indicates a strong vote of confidence in the brand's expansion strategy across the United Kingdom.
