Trading Statement

RNS Number:7501A
Thorntons PLC
13 July 2004


13 July 2004

                            SALES AND TRADING UPDATE
                          52 WEEKS ENDED 26 JUNE 2004

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 26 June 2004.

* Total company sales in the 52 weeks to 26 June 2004 were up 6.9% at
  #178.7m compared with #167.1m last year.

* Own shop sales rose by 2.2% to #136.8m (#133.8m). During the year, we
  opened 3 stores and closed 14. The like-for-like sales for the full year rose by
  2.6% and by 2.9% in the second half.

* Franchise sales increased by 4.9% to #12.9m with outlets up by 5 to
  203.

* Private label commercial sales rose by 8.7% to #13.7m driven by new
  lines and closer working relationships.

* Thorntons branded product sales into other retailers, increased from
  #3.1m in 2003 to #10.0m in 2004. New listings and improved sales within existing
  partnerships helped achieve this growth.

* Gift Delivery Service sales were unchanged at #5.3m.

Christopher Burnett, Chairman, commented:

"This encouraging sales performance should mean that our profits are in line
with market expectations when preliminary results for the full year to 26 June
are announced on Tuesday, 7th September 2004."

For further information, please contact:

Christopher Burnett - Executive Chairman, Thorntons PLC       01773 540550
Peter Burdon - Chief Executive, Thorntons PLC                 01773 540550
Martin Allen - Finance Director, Thorntons PLC                01773 540550
Charles Ryland - Buchanan Communications                      020 7466 5000
Catherine Miles - Buchanan Communications                     020 7466 5000



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