|
JD Wetherspoon PLC on Wednesday said wine, Guinness and chicken sales showed healthy growth as it benefited from good weather in its financial fourth quarter. The Watford, England-based pub operator said like-for-like sales climbed 5.1% on-year in the 12 weeks to the past Sunday. The company will release its results for the financial year ending this coming Sunday on October 3. Tim Martin, the company’s founder and chair, said Wetherspoon benefited from favourable weather in the recent quarter, with profit anticipated to be in line with market expectations. Martin said: ‘Sales volumes, which were very slow post-pandemic, have recently overtaken pre-pandemic levels. Wine, for example, has shown strong growth, with Villa Maria from New Zealand and prosecco from Italy both shooting the lights out. Spirits have improved in recent months and whisky volumes are significantly above pre-pandemic levels.’ He added: ‘Draught volumes are performing strongly with Guinness being the standout performer. On the food front, breakfasts, terribly slow post-pandemic, have recovered their lustre and are now well ahead. Chicken, also, has put in a clucking good performance and volumes in recent weeks are up by about 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels.’ Wetherspoon shares were 3.1% higher at 804.00 pence each on Wednesday morning in London. Alex Doran, an analyst at research house Third Bridge, said Wetherspoon is in a strong position within the UK pub sector. ‘The industry should see margin pressures ease slightly over time as operators improve labour efficiencies and embrace digital tools, but customers are still careful about spending,’ Doran said. ‘For Wetherspoon, its position as a value-led, wet-led operator with strong tech adoption continues to underpin its resilience.’ Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
|
