Marston’s “cautiously optimistic” as food sales boost trading

Brewer and pub operator Marston’s today described its outlook for next year as “cautiously optimistic” with a growing trend towards food-led sales.

Although overall sales were down 1.4 per cent in the year to October 3 and like-for-like sales at its managed pubs were 0.6 per cent below last year, like-for-like food sales grew by 2.8 per cent, increasing to 5.7 per cent in the nine weeks.

The group, which has over 2,200 pubs across Britain, attributed this growth to its “F-Plan - a focus on food, families, females and ‘forty/fifty somethings”. Food sales now represent 38% of total retail sales within its managed pubs.

The brewing side of the business saw increased market share and strong growth in premium ales, with own-brewed ale volumes increasing by 8% in the 12 month period and premium ale, which is now over half (53.5%) of the ale portfolio, increasing by 26%. This  includes 13% growth in the on-trade and 50% growth in the off-trade.

Marston’s success in this area is related to its strategy of offering beer brands with “strong regional appeal” – cashing in on the consumer trend for provenance. Marston’s said that despite fragile consumer confidence and the UK’s uncertain economic outlook it is “well positioned to meet the upcoming challenges.”
The operator’s trading update for the year to 3 October, announced today, added its full year results (due 3 December) should be “in line with expectations.”  

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By Emily Manson

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