Fullers sees like--for-like sales jump 4.5%

24 January, 2013

Fullers, the London-based pub operator and brewer, saw like-for-like sales in its managed pubs and hotels grow 4.5% in the nine weeks to 19 January.

The boost over Christmas and the New Year took like-for-like growth to +2.6% for the 42 weeks to 19 January, up from from +2.1% after 33 weeks.

Like for like profits in its tenanted inns division grew 1% for the 42 weeks, having been level after 33 weeks. Total beer volumes in the Fuller's Beer Company remained level, as they were after 33 weeks.

Fuller's said it enjoyed a good Christmas, with many managed pubs having record weeks. This reflects the trend seen in Coffer Peach Business Tracker data of London out performing the rest of the UKover the festive period and with pubs trading better than restaurants, especially in the capital.

"Our strategy to invest consistently in our pubs and emphasis on
freshly cooked food has driven growth, with our mobile and tablet-friendly website contributing to the increase in covers," said Fullers chiarman Michael Turner.

"While the economic outlook for 2013 remains uncertain, our long term
strategy and focus on quality continue to serve us well and the strong
performance of our acquisitions and refurbishments give us confidence to keep on investing for the future."