FDBusiness.com

Growth across its three divisions has helped Marston’s, the UK regional brewer and pub operator, to increase group revenue by 7.6% to £342.1 million and underlying profit before tax by 14.7% to £33.5 million for the 26 weeks ended March 31st 2012. The improved performance was achieved in a challenging consumer environment, with above market rates of growth in the managed pubs, tenanted and franchised pubs, and brewing divisions.

Total brewing revenue increased by 6.6% to £53.6 million, reflecting strong performances in the off-trade and the independent free trade. Underlying operating profit increased by 2.7% to £7.5 million. Overall ale volumes were up 2% on last year, with bottled ale volumes up 10% and premium cask ale volumes up 2%. Marston’s has grown its share in both the premium cask ale and bottled ale categories. Approximately 75% of its own-brewed beers are now sold to third parties, up 1% on last year.

The managed pubs division increased like-for-like sales by 3.6% and operating profit by 6.8%. Operating profit at the tenanted and franchised pubs division rose by 3.1%.

“We have delivered a good performance in the first half year against a weak consumer backdrop, “comments Ralph Findlay, chief executive of Marston’s. “Our growth in revenue and earnings was underpinned by our strategic focus on delivering value, high service standards and a quality offering to our consumers and customers. Our confidence that we are well positioned for the future is reflected in our declared dividend increase.”

Marston’s has an estate of around 2,150 pubs situated nationally, comprising tenanted, leased, franchised and managed pubs. It is the UK’s leading brewer of premium cask and bottled ales, including Marston’s Pedigree and Hobgoblin. The beer portfolio also includes Banks’s, Jennings, Wychwood, Ringwood, Brakspear and Mansfield beers. Marston’s employs around 12,000 people throughout England and Wales.