JDW pushes prices up by 7.5%
The group said most firms in the sector have been tackling large prices increases in recent times and it is aiming to remain competitive.
JDW spokesperson Eddie Gershon said: “JDW Wetherspoon has increased prices on food and drink by 7.5%.
“We believe our prices are still very competitive in all the locations we trade, even after the increase.”
Under inflation
He added: “Most businesses in the hospitality industry have had to deal with big price increases in the past year or two.
“We have tried to keep our prices competitive bearing in mind customers have suffered from inflation too. The 7.5% increase is less than the rate of inflation.”
Last month (January), JDW unveiled a sale across its estate with some pints costing 99p. The January sale included discounted pints such as Carlsberg, Guinness, Bud Ligt, Worthingtons and Stowford Press.
At more than 560 of the group’s sites, Ruddles Best was available for 99p a pint in England, in addition to coffee and soft drinks for also under £1.
Property info
In the company’s latest results, it reported sales growth of 13.1% compared to the same period last year.
The update, which covered the 25 weeks to 22 January 2023 also saw sales had fallen slightly (0.7%) against the same period leading up to 26 January 2023.
However, like-for-like sales in previous 12 weeks were up by almost a fifth (17.8%) against a year ago and 2% lower than the pre-pandemic period.
JDW chairman Tim Martin said he was “cautiously optimistic” about the group’s prospect for the financial year.
In the same announcement, it was revealed the business had opened two pubs and sold 10. The sale resulted in a cash inflow of £2.9m and 35 sites had remained on the market, making the current trading estate total 844 pubs.
