Warm summer weather helps boost sales at Marston’s
Brewery’s beer volumes were up around 4% compared to last year.
Premium pubs and beer business Marston’s has raised a glass to rising sales after warm summer weather saw more drinkers splash out in June.
The group – which owns Two For One and Pitcher & Piano – said like-for-like sales at its premium pubs arm rose 1.3% in the 42 weeks to July 22 and were up 0.6% in the past three months, which it said was ahead of the market.
Its Taverns division was the standout performer, with like-for-like sales 1.9% ahead of last year, with growth of 2.4% in the last 12 weeks of the period.
In brewing, beer volumes were up around 4% compared to last year, reflecting the benefit of the acquisition of Charles Wells brewing and beer business.
The acquisition has increased Marston’s ale market share, bringing brands like Young’s, Bombardier, and McEwan’s under the same roof as Marston’s labels including Hobgoblin, Wainwright and Lancaster Bomber.
Marston’s said the integration of the business is “proceeding as planned” and maintained its profit guidance.
Boss Ralph Findlay said: “We remain encouraged by our continued market outperformance and focused on delivering sustainable growth and maximising return on capital in an evolving market place.
“The Charles Wells brewing and beer business is bedding in well, further underpinning our leadership in the UK ale market. We are on track to complete our new-build and lodge expansion plans. We remain confident of delivering further profitable progress for the full financial year.”
