The pub and restaurant group saw lfls up by 10.4% over the core three-week Christmas trading period – a figure which it said had “built on numerous record sales performances through the estate and the brand portfolio”.
During the seven weeks to 16 November, lfls were up 4%, and up 3.9% in the eight weeks to 11 January 2025.
Market outperformance
Overall lfl sales in the 15 weeks to 11 January increased by 3.9% - up 4% in food and 3.6% in drink, with total sales growing by 3.8% in the year to date.
The business said it would continue to focus on investment in its estate and has already completed 40 conversions and remodels, which are showing encouraging returns.
M&B said it remained confident in its ability to tackle the circa £100m of year-on-year cost headwinds we expect to face this financial year, driven primarily by increased labour costs, and to deliver continued profit growth and market outperformance.
“We are delighted to have delivered another very strong festive trading period, with some excellent performances across our brand portfolio. Growth was particularly strong on festive key dates supported by volume growth, and with record sales on Christmas Day.
Well positioned
“Cold and stormy weather over recent weeks has subsequently had a material adverse impact on trading but we remain confident in the strength of underlying sales growth,” chief executive Phil Urban said.
Urban added the group’s focus remained on the effective execution of its Ignite programme of initiatives and successful capital investment programme, driving cost efficiencies and increased sales.
“We continue to leverage the strength of our diverse portfolio of established brands and enviable estate locations and believe we are well positioned to further grow profitability and market share in the year ahead.”
- Read The Morning Advertiser’s Big Interview with Phil Urban here
