Marston's sales rise despite ‘exceptionally wintry conditions'

28 January 2011
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.

Marston's profits up as Derek Andrew steps down >>

Marston's to switch 600 pubs to new retail agreement >>

Marston's sees food and drink sales rise in managed houses >>

By Neil Gerrard

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