Jamie Oliver sees profits fall despite revenue growth as annual payout drops

Jamie Oliver, the renowned British chef and television personality, has reported another fall in profits at his principal company, Jamie Oliver Holdings, despite a rise in annual revenues. Financial figures for 2024 reveal that revenues climbed 5 per cent to £28.6 million, up from £27.1 million the previous year. This marks Oliver’s highest revenue since 2019, buoyed by strong book and television sales as well as the opening of his new London restaurant on Catherine Street.

Oliver’s diverse activity in publishing and media remains robust. Since the publication of his debut cookbook, The Naked Chef, in 1999, he has sold over 46 million books globally, making him the best-selling British non-fiction author. His recent book launches and television series, such as “Jamie Fast and Simple” on Channel 4, contributed significantly to the uplift in the company’s top line. Back catalogue cookery titles also continue to perform well.

The chef’s personal fortune and business interests have encountered setbacks in recent years. Although the closure of the Jamie’s Italian restaurant chain in 2019 temporarily blunted his prominence on the Sunday Times Rich List, his overseas restaurant franchises remain resilient, now operating 68 sites worldwide. Franchise income from these international venues rose 4 per cent to £3.78 million in 2024.

Despite these successes, profits at Jamie Oliver Holdings fell for the second consecutive year, down to £2.4 million—a substantial 28 per cent decrease from £3.4 million the previous year. Company disclosures cite the cyclical nature of long-term partnership contracts, including the termination of the brand’s relationship with Tesco in 2024, as significant factors behind this decline. Oliver remains closely involved with several brands, including collaborations with Samsung, Tefal, and Weber.

Reflecting lower profitability, Oliver and his wife Jools received dividends totalling £3 million this year, down from £5 million in 2023. Of this, £500,000 was retained within the business. Jamie Oliver Licensing, responsible for the chef’s branded food and kitchen products, also saw its dividend fall to £1.5 million from £2.75 million the year before.

Oliver’s career as a public figure and campaigner remains influential. Despite business challenges, he continues to leverage his influence to endorse healthy eating and contribute through his media output, maintaining a high profile both in the UK and globally.