SUFFOLK brewer Adnams has enjoyed a �1million turnaround in its fortunes in the first half this year.The Southwold-based company reported pre-tax profits of �882,000 in the six months to June 30, against losses of �148,000 a year earlier.

Sarah Chambers

SUFFOLK brewer Adnams has enjoyed a �1million turnaround in its fortunes in the first half this year.

The Southwold-based company reported pre-tax profits of �882,000 in the six months to June 30, against losses of �148,000 a year earlier.

The firm, which employs about 320 and has been brewing at the town since 1872, saw turnover increase by 6.8pc to �23.4m, partly driven by a 19pc rise in volumes of take-home sales, while sales of cask beer to pubs rose 2pc, double the industry average.

The first half of 2009 also saw the successful launch of two new bottled beers, Lighthouse and Gunhill, and a 45pc increase in sales from the company's shops and wine deliveries after a difficult trading period in 2008.

The six month period also saw the company acquire three Suffolk riverside pubs, the Butt & Oyster at Pin Mill, the Maybush at Waldringfield and the Ship at Levington.

But despite yesterday's positive trading results, executive chairman Jonathan Adnams said the industry and particularly pubs still faced major challenges.

Full story - page 59.