Marston's reports 'encouraging' performance for 2010/2011

Marston's has announced an "encouraging" performance for the year 2010-2011 despite difficult trading conditions.

The company saw like-for-like sales in its managed pub division rise 2% in the 42 weeks to 23 July compared with last summer, which included the FIFA World Cup.

The interim management statement also reported that like-for-like sales in Marston's Inns and Taverns were up 2.9% in total, with food sales up 5% and wet sales up 1.8%.

Marston's Pub Company, the tenanted and leased division, experienced marginal improvement, with like-for-like profits estimated to be 0.5% ahead of last year. This is attributed to the roll-out of the franchise-style Retail Agreement, which now operates in around 300 pubs.

Marston's Beer Company, which brews the company's own beer, has reported a 2% increase in volume, with premium cask ales up 4%.

The company has completed 10 of a planned 20 pub-restaurant openings in 2011, leaving it ahead of its original targets.

Ralph Findlay, Marston's chief executive, said: "We are encouraged by the resilience of our business in the year to date. Our focus on offering value for money with high service standards in a quality pub environment is generating strong consumer appeal and maximising returns on our investment programmes."

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