Marston’s saw like-for-like sales in its Destination and Premium managed arm up 3% for the 16 weeks to 23 January with a 2.7% uplift in its Taverns managed and franchised division.
In its Leased estate, profits are estimated to be around 3% ahead of last year.
In a trading update ahead of its annual general meeting today, the company like-for-like sales increases in Destination and Premium were broken down into food growth of 2.5% and wet growth of 3.4%. In the two-week Christmas trading period to 2 January like-for-like sales were up 4.9%.
In Taverns like-for-like sales were up 5% over the Christmas fortnight. Marston’s said the evolution of the franchise model continued to be a key driver of growth, and had been extended into higher turnover pubs, with the highest turnover franchise pub achieving £30k per week over the holiday period.
The company said operating margins were ahead of last year. It said plans were on track to open at least 20 new pub-restaurants and five lodges in the current financial year, with seven pub and three lodge openings expected in the first half.
In Brewing, own-brewed volume was up 21% in the year to date, underpinned by a “very strong performance” in the off-trade.
Chief executive Ralph Findlay said: “Once again we traded well over the Christmas period with record sales over the key Christmas fortnight for the fourth year in succession, maintaining our record of market out-performance, including pub retail sales of over £3 million on Christmas Day for the first time. This performance demonstrates the appeal of our pubs and the value for money we offer, underpinned by excellent service. In Brewing, our principal brands and new beers contributed to an excellent first quarter.”
Marston’s will announce interim results for the 26 weeks to 2 April 2016 on 18 May 2016.
