Profits at Waitrose soared last year, but staff across the supermarket and its sister brand John Lewis have missed out on a bonus once again.

For the 52 weeks to 25 January 2025, profit before tax at the John Lewis Partnership tripled from £42m to £126m. Adjusted operating profit at Waitrose was £227m, up £122m.

Sales at Waitrose grew 4.4% to £8bn and volumes were up 2.6%, driven in part by investment in its food proposition and lower prices, with further improvements in technology and availability.

Over the year, investment in ranges, including the relaunch of Waitrose No.1, contributed to a 5.9% increase in sales of own-brand products.

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In on-demand grocery, sales grew by 110% over the year as the upmarket retailer entered into a new partnership with Just Eat, adding to existing relationships with Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

Despite the strong performance across the business, the Partnership said it would not provide staff with a bonus this year, as it prioritised a £114m investment in employee pay and up to £600m in business transformation.

The Partnership said: “As employee-owners, we have a shared responsibility to ensure the Partnership is sustainable over the long term. We’ve consistently said that at this point in our transformation, this is best served by investing in our retail businesses and in partners’ base pay.

“So after careful consideration, we do not believe it would be right to award a Partnership bonus this year.”

It marks the fourth time in five years that the retailer’s 65,000 staff have missed out on the annual benefit.

Despite this, Partnership chairman Jason Tarry said: “Looking forward, I see significant opportunity for growth from both our Waitrose and John Lewis brands. Our focus will be on enhancing what makes these brands truly special for our customers.

“This will involve considerable catch-up investment in our stores and supply chain, underpinned by a strong focus on the core elements of great retail, delivered by our brilliant Partners.”

He added: “I am confident with the transformation momentum in the Partnership, we remain well placed to drive further growth in the year ahead and over the longer term – creating a Partnership that our customers and Partners are truly proud of.”