Marston's sales rise despite ‘exceptionally wintry conditions'
Marston's found some cheer in the festive season despite "exceptionally wintry conditions", as it saw like-for-like sales rise 2.1% in its managed pubs in the 16 weeks to 22 January 2011.
The growth was once again largely driven by food sales, which climbed 4.4%. Wet sales in managed pubs were up 1.2% in the period.
Like-for-like sales in the six weeks to 8 January 2011 were level with the previous year, while sales in the Christmas trading period from 23 December to 3 January were up 11.2%.
Meanwhile, the company's tenanted and leased division saw like-for-like profits fall to about 1% below the previous year. Marston's said this was a slower decline than the 4% fall in the financial year 2010 and pointed to improving underlying profit trends.
Volumes of Marston's own-brewed beers were up 6% on last year, compared with a UK ale market down by around 7%. Premium cask ale was up 4% but bottled ale sold into supermarkets shot up 20%.
In an update before its AGM later today, Marston's also indicated that it has opened two new pub-restaurants in 2011, with eight developments on site. It expects to open 20 pubs in 2011 and 25 in 2012.
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Marston's sees food and drink sales rise in managed houses >>
By Neil Gerrard
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