Anglia Greene King News

Suffolk based brewer Greene King has announced a 7% rise in pre-tax profits to £82.7 million.

The company, which is based in Bury St Edmunds, has an estate of more than 2,000 pubs, restaurants and hotels and employs 22,000 people. It owns the Loch Fyne, Old English Inns and Hungry Horse chains.

Greene King's premium ale brand Old Speckled Hen saw volume growth of 5.9% against a premium ale market up 1.8% while Greene King IPA, the cask ale brand, achieved volume growth of 2.2%, in a standard ale market down 5%.

• UK
• Beer
• Greene King

Bury St Edmunds-based Greene King, which operates 2,300 pubs, is reporting robust trading.

The group said the Olympics had a minimal overall impact. Underlying sales were up a "reassuring" 5.1% in the past 18 weeks, as strong demand for its food helped pull in the punters despite the poor summer weather.

Greene King said its performance was "encouraging" although it warned that consumer confidence will remain subdued.

• UK
• Greene King
• Bury St Edmunds