Sun shines on Fuller's first quarter

21st Jul 2009 07:29

London-based pub company Fuller's is another hot weather beneficiary with sales boosted by the sun in the 16 weeks to 18 July 2009."As the sun has shone, our customers have defied the economic gloom to come and enjoy our outstanding cask conditioned ales, delicious food, great wines and exemplary service," chairman Michael Turner said. Like-for-like sales in its managed pubs and hotels increased by 2.9% in the period, though tenanted like for like profits were down 1%. The Fuller's Beer Company's own brewed beer volumes grew by 2%."Trading has benefited from the good weather compared to the prior year. Our recent acquisitions are performing well and our fastest growing beer has been the wonderfully refreshing Organic HoneyDew," the statement said.The outlook for the rest remains difficult to judge, it added, but after the good first quarter it anticipates it will perform at least in line with its expectations for the full year.