Food and beer prove resilient for Marston's

26th May 2009, 2:23pm

Sales of food and beer at independent brewer and pub operator Marston's contributed to a resilient performance for the first half of the year in a difficult trading environment.

Despite the economic situation, food sales in Marston's Inns and Taverns grew to 37% of total sales, and turnover at the Marston's Beer Company grew by 19% following the successful integration of the Wychwood Brewery last year and the trend among beer drinkers towards regional ales.

Acknowledging a 2.8% decline in Group turnover in the first six months of the year, chief executive Ralph Findlay said he was cautiously optimistic about the outlook: "We've been encouraged that over the last 13 weeks or so, we have seen an improvement in our trading. I think it remains fragile. But we are cautiously optimistic." 

New Finance Director Andrew Andrea said that a tight control over costs had helped to protect margins and maintained that the group remained committed to paying down net debt: "Although debt has increased slightly, this is in line with our expectations, and we fully expect to see a net debt reduction by the end of this financial year."

Related Articles:

• 15 Oct 2009 - Marston's offers free kids meals to celebrate new menu
• 01 Oct 2009 - Travelodge and Marston's join forces
• 15 Apr 2009 - New group finance director at Marston's
• 10 Dec 2008 - BES Consulting partners with Marston's pub group
• 05 Dec 2008 - Marston's sees profits slide 13%
• 20 Nov 2008 - Marston's award gaming contract
• 16 Oct 2008 - Marston's post disappointing results
• 29 Jul 2008 - Marston's trade 'resilient' in tough conditions
• 26 Nov 2007 - MARSTON'S INVESTS IN CUSTOMER SERVICE
• 12 Nov 2007 - MARSTON'S TRADE SHOWS DEEMED A SUCCESS

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