Destination and Premium drive Marston's sales growth

The company said it continued to make “good progress in line with our expectations”. During the World Cup, higher drinks sales were offset by weaker food performance in its pubs, and “strong sales growth in the off-trade”.

In the Destination and Premium division, like-for-likes were up 4.2% in food and 3.5% in drinks. Operating margin is slightly above last year and Marston’s said it remains on track to complete 27 new-build pub restaurants in the current financial year.

In the Taverns arm, like-for-like sales for the 41 week period were 3% ahead of last year. “Our franchise business continues to perform strongly and now operates in around 550 pubs.”

In Leased, like-for-like profits for the 41 week period are estimated to be up 3% compared to last year, the group said.

In Brewing, own-brewed beer volumes were up around 1% compared to last year including 10% growth in off-trade volumes during the World Cup.

Meanwhile, net debt and cash flow are “in line with expectations”.

Ralph Findlay, chief executive, said: “We have continued to make good progress in implementing our strategic priorities with our focus on investment in new pub-restaurants, the expansion of franchise and the continued development of our premium beer portfolio all contributing to our growth targets. We remain confident of achieving our expectations for the full year.”