Greene King trading well on all fronts

May 3, 2006: Trading in all four of Greene King's operations - the pub company, pub partners, brewing company and Belhaven brewery - rose in 51 weeks to April 23, the company has reported. It is described as a performance "in line with expectations".

Total like-for-like sales in pub company rose by 1.8 per cent, like-for-like turnover in the pub partners division was up by 2.1 per cent, and total beer sales by volume up by seven per cent Sales of Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale and Old Speckled Hen rose by four, five and nine per cent respectively.

"The integration of Belhaven into Greene King has run smoothly, and the realisation of our synergy targets is on schedule," said a spokesperson for Greene King.

"Whilst it is still very early, we have been pleased with Belhaven’s trading since the Scottish smoking ban. In the 51 weeks, Belhaven Best volume was up 8.6 per cent."

l Greene King will be announcing its preliminary results for the full year ended April 30 in July 4.