Thorntons reports sweet seasonal success as sale talks continue

Confectioner Thorntons reve-aled sweet sales growth in the first half, boosted by the sale of its products through other retailers.

Thorntons finance director Martin Allen said Thorntons intends to further increase such revenues. Product is sold through many big retailers, including Tesco.

Thorntons-branded commercial sales climbed 140 per cent to£3.6 million, and private label sales rose by 6 per cent to£8.8 million.

Total sales increased by 4.4 per cent to£109.3 million. Like-for-like sales for the half-year were up 2.5 per cent and over Christmas rose by 4.6 per cent.

Thorntons is in sale discussions with interested parties, including a management buy-out team.