Sales and Trading Update

RNS Number:0121P
Thorntons PLC
19 July 2005


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             19 JULY 2004





                                   THORNTONS



                            SALES AND TRADING UPDATE



                         52 WEEKS ENDED 25th JUNE 2005



Thorntons PLC, the manufacturer, retailer and distributor of high quality
confectionery and other sweet foods, is today reporting sales figures for the 52
weeks ended 25th June 2005.





*    Total company sales in the 52 weeks to 25th June 2005 were up 5.0%
     at #187.7m compared with #178.7m last year.


*    Own shop sales were down  by 2.0% to #134.1m (#136.8m) after a net
     closure of 9 stores and like-for-like sales for the full year were down 
     by 0.7%, an encouraging performance in difficult trading conditions.


*    Thorntons branded product sales into other retailers, increased by
     123% from #10.0m in 2003/04 to #22.3m in 2004/05.


*    Franchise sales increased by 4.2% to #13.4m with outlets up by 13 to 216.


*    Other sales, principally Thorntons Direct and private label sales,
     were #17.8m compared with #19.1m last year.




Thorntons will announce its preliminary results for the year to 25th June 2005
on 6th September 2005.


Christopher Burnett, Chairman, commented:



"An overall increase in sales of 5% and a decline of less than 1% in like for
like sales through our own shops is encouraging in a difficult trading
environment. From a relatively small base, the sales of Thorntons branded
products, through other retailers, more than doubled to #22.3m in the year.

This sales outcome means that our performance for the year should be in line
with market expectations."






For further information, please contact:


Christopher Burnett - Executive Chairman, Thorntons PLC          01773 542339

Peter Burdon - Chief Executive, Thorntons PLC                    01773 542339

John Wall - Finance Director, Thorntons PLC                      01773 542339

Charles Ryland/Nicola Cronk - Buchanan Communications            020 7466 5000





                      This information is provided by RNS
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