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."
Marston's sales growth driven by food and fine ale >>
Marston's sales rise despite ‘exceptionally wintry conditions' >>
Marston's profits up as Derek Andrew steps down >>
Marston's to switch 600 pubs to retail agreement >>
By Tom Vaughan
E-mail your comments to Caterer News here.
If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.caterersearch.com/tabletalk
Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Caterersearch.com jobs