East of England Co-op shares profits with members in £1m dividend payment

The dividend was approved at the retailer’s Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM), held at The Hold in Ipswich on Friday 23 May, following a recommendation from the Board of Directors. 

Members came together for the first in-person AMM held by the retailer since 2019. At the waterfront venue members enjoyed tastings from some of the retailer’s local producers including Adnams, Fairfields Farm, Tiptree, Stokes Sauces and Lane Farm and a chance to explore The Hold’s exhibitions. 

Chaired by East of England Co-op President, Joy Burnford, 93 members joined the event in person and 30 online, as the retailer reported on their sales and trading profits. 

Earlier this month, the East of England Co-op announced a return to profit, with a £4.6m turnaround from 2024. The regional co-operative made a £1m trading profit from continuing operations, crediting its commercial success to a year of considered investment and reshaping of its business portfolio. 

Joy Burnford, East of England Co-op President, said: ‘Our return to profit is a monumental achievement in this financial landscape and we’re proud to be able to share this success with our members. 

‘It was a privilege to host our first in person Annual Members’ meeting in five years. There was a shared sense of excitement for the future of our co-op, and it felt like an excellent way to start our journey to making sure our profit is sustainable for the members and colleagues that make us.’

The meeting also included the results of the election to the Board of Directors. This year saw ten candidates standing for five places on the Board. 

Elected to the East of England Co-op’s Board were John Cook and Roger Grosvenor, with Joy Burnford, Esme Cole and Martin Catchpole re-elected.  

Members who are eligible for dividend will receive their payment by post starting next month (June 2025).