Greene King sees record sales over Christmas period

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Brewer and pub owner Greene King today said it enjoyed its best-ever Christmas and New Year.

Sales in the fortnight covering the two festive dates were up 6 per cent, well ahead of the 3.8 per cent in the first 36 weeks of its financial year. Greene King’s 2200 pubs served up a record 62,000 meals on Christmas Day, and overall takings were up 12 per cent at £3.1 million.

New Year’s Eve takings were £4.5 million, up 10% on the previous year. Chief executive Rooney Anand described festive trading as “very strong” and said he was confident of full-year profit and dividend growth.

On the brewing side, Old Speckled Hen led the way with sales up 15% in the last 36 weeks. Take-home sales rose almost 20% in the six-week Christmas period.