Trading Statement

RNS Number:0326V
Thorntons PLC
18 April 2007


                                     
For Immediate Release 

                                 THORNTONS PLC

                        Third Quarter Trading Statement


Thorntons PLC ('Thorntons' or 'the Company') today reported on its trading
progress for the 14 weeks up to and including Saturday 14 April 2007.
Comparative figures include the 2006 Easter trading period.


Key Points:


   *The Company has continued to increase sales during the third quarter
    of the year achieving overall sales growth of 11.6%

   *Own store sales increased by 2.3% during the third quarter benefiting
    from an enhanced customer offer, increased product innovation and further
    investment in the seasonal gift ranges

   *Franchise sales showed an increase of 1.1%

   *Commercial sales grew by 55.1% benefiting from an expansion of Thornton's 
    business with major retailers

   *Sales in Thorntons Direct increased by 17.2% as a result of the
    significant investment in the website and the increased marketing drive
    during the first half

   *2 new own stores and 2 new franchise stores were opened in the period



Mike Davies, Thornton's Chief Executive, commented:


"Thorntons has made continued progress in the third quarter following a
difficult start to the year. We are beginning to realise the benefits from the
increased investment in our stores, the enhancement of our product innovation
and the growth of commercial sales.


"During Easter, sales of our excellent chocolate and ice cream products
performed well and the Group expects its full year performance to be in line
with expectations."



Sales #m                        Q1             Q2             Q3             Q3
                           14 weeks to    14 weeks to    14 weeks to    14 weeks to
                             30-09-06       06-01-07       14-04-07       15-04-06
Own stores                     23.0           55.4           32.2           31.4
Franchise stores               2.4            5.7            3.2            3.1
Commercial sales               7.2            13.3           11.2           7.3
Thorntons Direct               0.8            3.4            1.7            1.4
Total                          33.4           77.8           48.3           43.2



Sales growth %                  Q1             Q2             Q3             Q3
                           14 weeks to    14 weeks to    14 weeks to    14 weeks to
                             30-09-06       06-01-07       14-04-07       15-04-06
Own stores                    -4.1%          -1.1%          +2.3%          -0.4%
Franchise stores              -8.3%          +0.1%          +1.1%          -0.5%
Commercial sales              -17.4%         +12.6%         +55.1%         -16.7%
Thorntons Direct              -5.1%          +26.5%         +17.2%         +9.8%
Total                         -7.6%          +2.1%          +11.6%         -3.3%



Like for like sales             Q1             Q2             Q3             Q3
growth %                   14 weeks to    14 weeks to    14 weeks to    14 weeks to
                             30-09-06       06-01-07       14-04-07       15-04-06
Own stores                    -3.5%          -0.4%          +2.5%          +0.5%



Portfolio        Stores as   New stores Resites Closures  Stores as
                 at 06-01-07                               at 14-04-07
Own stores           366         2         1       3         366
Franchise stores     214         2         0       0         216
Total                580         4         1       3         582


                                      END


For further information please contact:


Cardew Group                                                    T: 020 7930 0777
Sofia Rehman / Nadja Vetter









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

END
TSTIRMRTMMBBBLR