Food sales drive Marston's growth

7th Apr 2010 07:02

Food sales from its managed pubs continued to lead growth at pub group and brewer Marston's in the half year to April 3.The company remains on track to meet expectations for the full year.At the company's managed pubs division, which includes the Pitcher & Piano chain, like-for-like sales were up by 1.4% from the same period a year ago. Food sales were up by 2.5% on a like-for-like basis, compared with a more subdued 0.5% rise in drinks sales.At the tenanted and leased pubs division, like-for-like profits are estimated to be down by 4.6% from the same period a year ago, a slight improvement on the 4.9% decline reported in January.At the brewing division, ale volumes were in line with last year, Marston's said. The company continues to expand its managed estate, with 15 food-oriented pubs to be built this year.'Although the trading environment remains challenging, we are encouraged by our performance in the first half year,' the company said. 'Trading in each of our divisions continues to improve.'