Marston’s cheered by strong second half performance
WOLVERHAMPTON-based brewer and pubco Marston’s has said the period since its interim results has been characterised by strong trading across its various operations.
In its Destination and Premium pubs division, like-for-like sales for the 42-week period were 2.1% ahead of last year, including like-for-like food sales growth of 3.7% and like-for-like wet (drinks) sales up 0.5% on last year. Like-for-like sales over the 10 weeks to July 20 were 6.0% ahead of last year. The period also saw the opening of 16 new pub-restaurants.
The Taverns community pubs saw second half performance in line with last year with growth in franchise pubs, which the group said was encouraging as it came against strong comparatives that included the positive impact of the Euro 2012 football tournament as well as disposals, which are ahead of schedule.
The second half performance of the Leased pubs division was said to be in line with last year.
In brewing, the group said it had made excellent progress against a declining market, with year to date own-brewed beer volumes up around 6%.
It is ahead of target in disposing of its non-core pubs, with proceeds to date of £35m and a revised forecast of around £50m by the year-end.
Ralph Findlay, Marston’s CEO, said: ”Our focus on value for money, quality and great service is generating strong growth in our Destination pubs, with increased customer visits reflecting the appeal of our offers.
“The key elements of our strategy – the development of new-build pub restaurants; the increased licensee support and improved consumer offers facilitated by franchise agreements; and a brewing business focused on premium beers and local ales, are all on track.”
