Marstons managed sector sees like-for-likes up 1.5%

By The PMA Team

- Last updated on GMT

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Brewer and retailer Marston's has reported that managed like-for-likes were were up 1.5% in the 16 weeks to 23 January. Trading over the Christmas...

Brewer and retailer Marston's has reported that managed like-for-likes were were up 1.5% in the 16 weeks to 23 January.

Trading over the Christmas and New Year period was up 2.9% in the 5 weeks to 2 January 2010 including food sales up 4.4% and drinks sales up 1.9%. Trading in January has been weaker with like-for-like sales down 5.9% as a consequence of two weeks of poor weather. Sales trends have subsequently returned to the levels achieved before the weather disruption.

In Marston's Pub Company, its tenanted and leased pubs division, like-for-like profit in the 16 week period was 4.9% below last year compared with a decline of 7% in the financial year to 3rd October 2009.

Operating profit per pub is down 1.9% reflecting disposals. In Marston's Beer Company own-brewed beer volumes were in line with last year, which compares favourably to a UK ale market down by around 6%.

Premium cask ale volumes were up 1% with premium bottled ale volumes up 16%. Plans to open 60 new build pyubs are on track with 15 planned for this year.

Sites have opened in Aylesbury, Caterham, Daventry and Ashbourne. The company is on site in eight locations and will commence work on a further three pubs by Easter.

The company stated: "The outlook for the UK economy remains uncertain and the impact on consumer confidence of recently implemented and proposed taxation increases is yet to be seen.

"We are nevertheless encouraged by the progress we have made to date in the current financial year and believe that we are well positioned to meet the forthcoming challenges."

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