At the Bury St Edmunds firm's annual general meeting on Tuesday, it reported larger food-led pubs were performing strongly.

But profits in its tenanted and leased pubs were down 1.7 per cent. The company, which has 10 pubs to let in the Bury area, said an increasing level of support was being given to underpin licensee viability.

The brewing company's own volumes are down three per cent, but said this was actually a strong performance when compared to double digit declines elsewhere in the industry.

The Belhaven brewery, in Scotland, which Greene King took over, has performed ahead of expectations, with sales in its managed pub estate up 4.6 per cent, while Belhaven Best has become the fifth best-selling alcohol brand in Scotland.

The figures were part of an interim management statement for the first 16 weeks of trade up to August 24.

"Market conditions remain challenging as consumer confidence continues to weaken and consumer expenditure continues to contract," it said.

"Within this environment, Greene King is well placed to withstand many of the pressures these trends create: The Greene King model is robust and resilient; strong cashflows allow continued investment in growth areas such as food, accommodation and premium ale; and the tough approach to cost management creates opportunities to drive further value into the business."

n Greene King's Brewing Company has won three accolades in the British Bottler's Institute Awards.

Old Bob took gold in the stronger category of ales, while Abbot Ale scooped silver.

Greene King IPA received a diploma for excellence in the category of ales with an alcohol volume between one per cent and 3.9 per cent.

Neil Jardine, take home and export director for Greene King, was pleased.

"They all stand out as world class when it comes to quality and taste," he said.

Old Bob was named beer of the month by leading beer writer and taster Roger Protz earlier in the year.

The British Bottler Institute Awards will be presented at an awards dinner in London, on November 24.

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