New Listings

Thorntons PLC
22 January 2004


                                                                 22 January 2004

                                Thorntons PLC

                             'Widening the Appeal '



A broad range of grocery and convenience listings have been secured to run from
early 2004 for the Thorntons 'Art of the Chocolatier' range which includes
indulgent impulse bars, traditional confectionery bags and premium sharing
cartons.



Continuing the expansion of the product range available outside of their own
shops and franchises, Thorntons are also launching a range of more
gift-orientated products into grocery and convenience channels.  The launch is
effective from January 2004 and the products involved are a range of boxed
chocolates, Easter Eggs and their renowned Special Toffee.  Listings for these
products have been secured in a number of different retail outlets including
major multiples.



The initiative is designed to meet the time-poor demands of modern lifestyles
and will allow consumers to buy key Thorntons' products as part of their
everyday shopping trips.  In addition, by extending the availability of the
premium confectionary favourites, more customers will be drawn into Thorntons'
own shops and franchises to experience the broader specialist ranges available.





Philip Douty, Trading & Marketing Director of Thorntons PLC, said:



"We have long considered supermarkets and other retailers as a valuable channel
to an even broader base of potential customers than we can reach purely through
our own shops and franchises.  The strong appetite amongst trade customers to
list Thorntons products is evident through the number that will be listing this
wider range, and we have worked closely with them to develop a range that will
provide consumers with a high-quality addition to their existing choices."





Contacts:




Thorntons PLC

Philip Douty, Trading & Marketing Director                Tel: [phone]

Buchanan Communications
Charles Ryland / Catherine Miles                          Tel: [phone]





                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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