M&B like-for-like sales up 4.8% over Christmas period
For the 17 weeks to 24 January total sales increased by 9.1%, with like-for-like sales growth of 1.7%. Like-for-like food sales were up 2.8% with drink sales seeing growth of 0.4%.
The company said that margins continue to be weaker than last year “due to a number of factors including the planned integration of the Orchid business and the careful approach which we have adopted to pricing in a demanding consumer environment”.
On track
M&B acquired four sites and converted 15 in the year to date, including the first six conversions of Orchid sites to its existing brands and formats. The company said it remains on track with the integration of the Orchid business.
Chief executive Alistair Darby said: “We are pleased to have delivered a good trading performance over the important festive season. As we now move into the more difficult winter trading period we continue our focus on growing our business through increased volumes, upgrading infrastructure and further improving staff turnover and net promoter scores.
"The Orchid integration plan is on track and we are encouraged by the early trading performance of the converted sites.”
M&B said investment into its EPOS system is progressing on schedule, with more than 1,400 pubs now live and the project due to complete this financial year.