Improved trading" for Marston's

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Marston's says it is "on track" to meet its expectations for the financial year and has seen a small uplift in sales since January. In a trading...

Marston's says it is "on track" to meet its expectations for the financial year and has seen a small uplift in sales since January.

In a trading update issued following the end of the first half of the current financial year on April 4, the brewer and pubco said that it remained cautious in the face of the weak economy - although the figures proved it was well positioned to benefit from longer term trends in casual dining.

The Marston's Inns & Taverns managed pub division saw like-for-like sales down 1.8 per cent for the 27 weeks and two days to April 13.

But sales moved haead over the last eight weeks and two days to April 13, with like-for-likes increasing by 3.1 per cent, fuelled by growth in cask ales and its value -for-money food offers.

Volume trends have also shown a recent improvement in the Marston's Pub Company tentanted and leased division, which has seen underlying profit trends broadly consistent with those reported at its AGM in January.

"Good, well positioned pubs with sustainable rents operated by skilled and committed licensees continue to trade well," said the company.

In Marston's Beer Company, ale volumes increased by 16 per cent in the first half-year.

Premium ale, now 53 per cent of the Marston's ale portfolio, increased by 39 per cent following the acquisition of Wychwood Brewery last April.

Standard ale volumes were six per cent below last year.

Overall Marston's said its brands had performed well and increased market share in a weak beer market, reflecting the increasing popularity of regional cask ales in our pubs, a robust free trade performance, and a strong second quarter in the off-trade.

Looking forward, the company said: "We have a clear focus on offering our customers exceptional value for money and good service; on promoting a sustainable and fair basis for our dealings with tenants and lessees; on the development of an outstanding range of ale brands; on the tight control of costs; and on cash management."

Marston's full interim results for the 26 weeks ended April 4 will be announced on May 22.

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