Kent brewer and pub operator Shepherd Neame achieved record turnover and total beer volume in the 26 weeks to 25 December 2010, it said today.
Turnover was up 1.6 per cent to ?61.7m and like-for-like retail sales were up 3.6 per cent, with growth in liquor, food and accommodation.
Operating profit for the half year stayed the same at ?6.4m.
Based in Faversham, Kent, the company employs more than 1,000 people and operates 359 pubs in the South East.
Chairman Miles Templeman said the company had performed well despite bad weather and pressure on disposable income.
Total beer volume increased by 0.6 per cent, with the star performers Spitfire, Bishop’s Finger and the Japanese beer Asahi.
Templeman said he expected a further squeeze on consumers’ disposable income. The UK beer market continues to decline and small pubs continue to close.
However, he added, ales and speciality lagers are performing well and the remaining pubs are getting stronger. “These are encouraging trends which put Shepherd Neame in a strong position for the future,” he said.