Results, finance, appointments, capital schemes, and more. News in brief from brewers, venue owners, and other hospitality businesses.
There was a 176% spending uplift in pubs across the UK during England’s Match against Ghana, according to card machine provider Dojo.
The greatest spending spike of the night took place at 11pm, surging 450% on average compared to two weeks prior as fans rushed to the bar after the final whistle. Spending remained high post-match, including a 299% increase at 11.10, as well as a spike of 137% at 11.50.
“It’s been great to see football fans supporting their local pubs during the World Cup already, and our data paints an optimistic outlook for hospitality venues throughout the rest of the tournament,” said Charlie Ashworth, head of data and insights at Dojo.
Meanwhile, industrial hose supplier Flextech has seen increased interest in its Brewflex brewery hose as businesses across the drinks supply chain work through one of the busiest periods in the hospitality calendar. For breweries, the challenge is not simply producing more beer; it is maintaining the quality and consistency that keeps customers returning long after the final whistle has been blown.
“Major sporting events highlight something which is true across the drinks industry all year round — quality matters,” said Martin Robinson, of Flextech. “Customers may not see the processes and equipment behind the scenes, but they experience the result in every pint they order.
“We have seen increased interest in our brewery hoses as the industry looks for reliable solutions that help them maintain consistency during high-demand periods.
• UK sales and volume were up 19% in 2025 at Damm, the Spanish brewer with a British base in Bedford. There was revenue of €2.01bn, EBITDA of €32m, and a net profit of €155m.
The company has invested more than €80m in the Damm Eagle Brewery, and recently announced the acquisition of Old Speckled Hen brands from Greene King.
“This solid business performance demonstrates the strength of our successful UK strategy, following sustained investment in the Damm Eagle Brewery, which has seen the rise of Estrella Damm and our wider portfolio, as well as driving industry awareness around Damm UK,” said Luke White, managing director of Damm UK.
“This has given us the platform to make bigger strategic moves to accelerate our growth, such as evolving our portfolio with the acquisition of Old Speckled Hen — set to complete 1st July — cementing Damm UK’s position as the largest independent brewer in the UK market.”
• Heartwood Inns has once again been awarded the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good three-star rating, the highest accreditation available. It comes as the pub group unveils its new summer menu, celebrating seasonal ingredients and responsibly-sourced produce.
Having maintained the three-star rating since 2023, the recognition reflects Heartwood Inns’ ongoing commitment to creating a hospitality business that has a positive impact on people, communities, and the environment.
The Food Made Good assessment recognised Heartwood’s continued progress across all three pillars of sustainability. Judges praised the group’s commitment to sourcing high-welfare ingredients, the way it supports both its teams and guests, and the significant strides it has made in improving energy efficiency and reducing food waste.
• Heavitree Inns is confident and stronger second half will improve its financial year. In the first six months, to the 30th April, turnover was down by 1.5% to £3,465,000, and operating profit fell 4% to £503,000. This was blamed on an early Easter, poor weather, and low tied product volumes.
“The directors feel we are well placed for the second half of the year, and are hopeful of a strong summer season and a potential boost to pubs from the World Cup,” said chairman Nicolas Tucker.
“However, we are operating in the uncertain times facing the world and, once again, our sector has to brace itself for the inevitable costs fallout. The company has as bright a future as the current economic climate will allow.”
• UKHospitality says plans to improve hospitality business rates through tax reforms on online giants would be a positive step.
The government is consulting on plans to more effectively enforce VAT collection rules for online marketplaces, with a commitment that “any revenue raised will be ploughed into improvements for the business rates system for pubs, restaurants, hotels and other businesses on the high street”.
“We have been clear in our continuous engagement with the government since the Budget that we need to see concrete action to lower business rates for those businesses most affected,” said Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality. “Hotels and restaurants faced the most significant increases in April and pubs, cafes, and many more also continue to suffer from the broken businesses rates system.
“It’s right that any revenue raised from more effectively taxing online giants should be used to support hospitality businesses, and I look forward to working with the government on its proposals.”
• Shepherd Neame has entered into a tasty new partnership with fellow Kent-based business Foodari. The partnership will see Foodari supply fresh, sustainably sourced fruit and vegetables to Shepherd Neame’s estate of managed pubs and hotels across London and the South East, providing local ingredients for the brewer’s seasonal, freshly prepared menus, while helping to reduce food miles and champion regional growers. Both companies are holders of Royal Warrants.
• Brewer and retailer McMullens had record sales of £134m in the year to 27th September, 2025. Underlying profit before tax also hit a record level of £19.48m. The company is planning a significant level of investment in its pubs over the next two years, and has cash available to acquire new sites.
• Rafael Oliveira is to become new chief executive officer and chair of the executive board at Heineken. He will join on 1st October for a set period of four years.
