The company told The Morning Advertiser’s sister publication MCA today (Thursday 26 January) that it will also seek to reinforce The Fuller’s Beer Company marketing programme following a positive set of results.
Fuller’s reported “strong” trading period over Christmas, with like-for-like sales in its managed pubs and hotels increasing by 7.4% in the past 10 weeks.
Meanwhile, like-for-like profits in the tenanted division rose by 2% and the total beer and cider volumes in The Fuller’s Beer Company programme increased by 1%.
In the 43-week period, like-for-like sales in its managed pubs and hotels rose by 3.7%, while like-for-like profits in its tenanted inns division fell by 1%. Total beer and cider volumes in The Fuller’s Beer Company were also hit, falling by 4%.
‘Drive the business forward’
Fuller’s chief executive Simon Emeny said: “Our strategy of sustained investment in our pubs, our brands and our people continues to drive the business forward.”
Emeny also expressed his concerns over “increasing cost pressures”, including the rise in national living wage (NLW) and the apprenticeship levy.
New projects ahead
He added: “The past 10 weeks have been particularly strong, which is a credit to the whole Fuller’s team.
“We will next update the market on 9 June 2017, when we announce the company’s full-year results for the 53 weeks to 1 April 2017.”
Great Sausage Roll Off winner
Yesterday, Fuller’s announced the winner of its annual Great Sausage Roll Off competition at the Red Lion in Barnes, west London.
Bedford Bars head chef Charlie Hodson gained first place for his pork, saffron and a few “secret gems” sausage roll.
The event, now in its fifth year, included five pub chefs as well as several chefs from high-profile restaurants and food businesses.