Marston's reports 'robust' Christmas trading

29th Jan 2010 07:01

Pubs operator Marston's said trading over the 16 week period to 23 January has been encouraging notwithstanding the poor weather in January. The group said the more positive trading momentum it reported last month continued over the important Christmas and New Year festive period.In Marston's Inns and Taverns, its managed pubs division, like-for-like sales for the 16 week period were 1.5% ahead of last year. Trading over the Christmas and New Year period was robust with like-for-like sales up 2.9% in the 5 weeks to 2 January 2010 including food sales up 4.4% and drinks sales up 1.9%. Trading in January has been weaker with like-for-like sales down 5.9% as a consequence of two weeks of poor weather. In Marston's Pub Company, however, the tenanted and leased pubs division, like-for-like profit in the 16 week period was 4.9% below last year compared with a decline of 7% in the financial year to 3 October. Operating profit per pub was down 1.9% reflecting disposals. In Marston's Beer Company, own-brewed beer volumes were in line with last year, which compares favourably to a UK ale market down by around 6%. 'The outlook for the UK economy remains uncertain and the impact on consumer confidence of recently implemented and proposed taxation increases is yet to be seen,' said the group.'We are nevertheless encouraged by the progress we have made to date in the current financial year and believe that we are well positioned to meet the forthcoming challenges.'