JD Wetherspoon Sales Rise 5.1% Driven by Guinness, Wine UK, Ireland

JD Wetherspoon has reported a 5.1% rise in like-for-like sales in the 12 weeks to July 20, 2025, boosted by strong demand for Guinness, wine, spirits, and a rebound in popular food items like breakfasts and chicken meals. The surge in sales is attributed partly to favorable weather conditions and the growing popularity of products such as Villa Maria wine and Prosecco. Despite facing increased costs from higher taxes, national insurance contributions, and minimum wage hikes, the pub chain expects to meet profit forecasts for the year. The company operates 794 pubs across the UK and Ireland and plans to open around 15 new managed pubs and a similar number of franchised pubs in the next financial year. JD Wetherspoon has also acquired eight freehold reversions and maintains a net debt estimate of approximately £720 million, with sufficient headroom under existing facilities. Chairman Tim Martin highlighted that sales volumes have now surpassed pre-pandemic levels, signaling a strong recovery for the group.