Heron Foods Announces Job Cuts at Humber Head Office Amid Business Restructuring
Frozen food retailer Heron Foods has confirmed the elimination of several positions at its East Yorkshire headquarters, as part of ongoing business alterations. The changes impact a small number of employees at the company's Store Support Centre in Melton, with management stating efforts are underway to transition affected staff into alternative roles within the firm.
Impact on Workforce and Business Strategy
The job cuts are reported to affect fewer than 1% of Heron Foods' more than 5,500-strong workforce. This move follows a challenging period for the discount food chain, which last year slashed up to 250 jobs across its stores and warehouses nationwide due to declining sales and profits. Despite these setbacks, Heron Foods is actively pursuing growth opportunities, aiming to launch 10 new stores in its current financial year.
The company is intensifying efforts to refurbish existing shops and relocate others, focusing on enhancing customer experience and attracting more consumers. This strategy comes amid escalating operational costs, including increases in the National Minimum Wage. Heron Foods remains committed to its core mission of providing top-quality products at the lowest possible prices across its network of over 340 locations.
Parent Company's Influence and Financial Performance
Heron Foods' owner, discount retail titan B&M, issued a profit warning in January, citing Heron's weak financial performance. B&M executives are reassessing the company's customer offering, with chief executive Tjeerd Jegen emphasizing a "back to B&M basics" strategy for the group. This approach aims to streamline operations and refocus on core retail principles to improve profitability.
A spokesperson for Heron Foods stated: "Unfortunately, a small number of roles at our Store Support Centre in Melton, East Yorkshire are impacted as part of changes within the business. Wherever possible, we have worked to transition affected colleagues into alternative roles within the business. These changes impact less than 1% of our workforce and are necessary as we continue to adapt to an evolving retail landscape."
Historical Context and Recent Developments
Heron Foods originated as Grindells Butchers on Hull's Holderness Road in the late 1970s and has since expanded significantly under B&M's ownership. In the year ending 29 March 2025, the retailer launched 14 new and relocated outlets, resulting in eight net additions after closing older, underperforming locations that had reached the end of their lease agreements.
Recent store refurbishments, such as those at the Cottingham outlet and Spring Bank West branch in Hull, have introduced new-style freezers and expanded food-to-go meal deal selections. These upgrades are part of Heron Foods' broader initiative to modernize its retail presence and better serve customers in a competitive market.
