The South West brewer and pub operator said underlying earnings were £22m, compared with £22.4m in 2024, reflecting continued pressure across hospitality and brewing.
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The business invested £21.9m during the year, with spend focused on its pub estate, brands, teams and systems.
Gerard Barnes, non executive chairman at St Austell Brewery, said the company had delivered a resilient performance despite “economic uncertainty, sustained cost pressures and reduced consumer demand across the South West”.
He said: “While conditions across the hospitality and brewing sector remained tough, demand for the experiences we offer and for our beers was encouraging.
“The underlying EBITDA of £22m reflects both the external pressures and the deliberate choices we have made to continue investing through challenging conditions, rather than prioritising short term returns.”
Managed pubs
Chief executive Kevin Georgel said the business had made progress against its long term plans, with its managed pubs delivering like for like sales growth ahead of the market.
He said guest feedback had “never been better”, while the pub estate also received national recognition at this year’s Publican Awards.
St Austell was named Best Managed Pub Company, 2 to 50 sites, and Best Sustainable Pub Company at the 2026 awards.
The company has invested significantly across its 45 strong managed estate in recent years, with judges at the Publican Awards recognising its ability to modernise traditional pubs while retaining their local character.
Georgel said: “Despite the challenging backdrop, we have continued to make strong progress against our long term plans, and there is much to be proud of.
Beer portfolio
St Austell said its beer portfolio continued to evolve in response to changing consumer preferences.
Georgel highlighted the continued growth of Proper Job 0.5%, which is now the company’s fourth biggest own brand, as well as increased investment into Harbour Brewing Company.
The business has also continued to invest in people, with earlier comments from St Austell people director Kate Price highlighting the company’s focus on leadership development, internal progression and retention.
Last month, Price told The Morning Advertiser (MA) that St Austell had trebled job applications over the past three years as it strengthened its employer offer and training programmes.
Georgel said: “As we mark our 175th anniversary, we remain firmly focused on the future.
“Continued investment in our pubs, brands and people, alongside the launch of a bold new brand identity and sustainability strategy, means St Austell Brewery is well positioned to build on its momentum and continue to deliver long term growth.”
He added that the business remained affected by the decline in domestic tourism, alongside rising costs and taxation, which he said acted as a disincentive for people to stay and holiday in the UK.
Georgel said the company remained focused on building “a modern, resilient business” that could continue to support its teams, guests and shareholders in the years ahead.
