The family-run operator, which owns and manages a portfolio of food-led pubs and inns across East Anglia, said the growth reflected strong consumer loyalty, investment in staff and customer experience, and the opening of The White Horse in Holme in May 2024.
The company also launched a new loyalty system in January 2025, which was “very well received” and helped drive footfall during the final months of the financial year.
Food accounted for 57% of total sales, with the group adapting menus quickly to offset the impact of food inflation through “careful design and local procurement.”
Gross profit margin rose to 75.4% (up from 74.7%), supported by improved purchasing and supply efficiencies.
Labour and efficiency gains
Despite the rise of national minimum wage, total wage volume increased by just 3.9%, and overall labour margin improved by 0.3%. The group was named Best Employer at this year’s Publican Awards.
Other administrative costs fell to 24.7% of turnover (from 25%) following a new energy contract agreed in September 2024.
Underlying site EBITDA rose 8.1% to £4m, while company EBITDA remained steady at £1.6m.
The group also invested in expanding The White Horse’s offer, converting a disused barn into a bakery, which opened in April this year.
Outlook and risk
Directors said ACI had made a “robust start” to the new financial year, with sales up 15.3% in the first five months of 2025–26.
However, the company warned that the tax burden on hospitality businesses continues to pose a major risk to profitability.
“The continually high and disproportionate tax regime, particularly the cost of labour and new levies such as EPR, is having a material impact on the bottom line,” the directors said. “If this continues, more of the cost will have to be passed on to consumers.”
ACI said it is currently negotiating a new bank facility to lower borrowing costs and support future growth, with plans to develop further opportunities within its existing estate.
The directors added that the group’s premium food-led positioning and customer experience strategy leave it well placed to withstand pressures and continue outperforming the wider market.
