World Cup and heatwave lift Fuller's sales in uncertain times

Pub company Fuller's has reported a 4% increase in like-for-like sales across its managed and tenanted sites thanks to England's World Cup campaign and the prolonged heatwave.

However chief executive Simon Emeny has said there remains uncertainty as to how Brexit will impact the sector.

While like-for-like sales were up, total beer and cider volumes in the Fuller's Beer Company were flat.

Emeny said: "Our core business has performed well, with the prolonged summer weather benefiting our pubs with outside space and our latest acquisitions are bedding in well and performing to plan. We have a number of exciting schemes lined up for the coming year, including refurbishments of the four We Are Bar sites acquired in June and the opening of two new station sites at Euston and Liverpool Street. Recent investment in our Destination Chiswick initiative has been well received and included the opening of our new brewery shop and pilot plant.

"Although we have undoubtedly benefited from the feel-good factor of England's World Cup performance and good summer weather, it is important to remember that the underlying economic and political situation, particularly the UK's position with regards to Europe, creates uncertainty and it is difficult to predict the nature of any potential impact on the sector.

"However, Fuller's is a well-balanced company that is founded on iconic pubs and a premium portfolio of outstanding brands, underpinned by an excellent team of people. We have exciting plans in place to keep us relevant and interesting to today's consumer and we face the coming year in a strong position and with a positive outlook."

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