UK premium chocolate group Thorntons has reported that its full-year sales have risen by 5.3% to GBP186m (US$372m).

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The company said that growth was 15.1% if allowance is made for the extra week’s trading in 2006/07. Thorntons’ results was buoyed by a strong fourth quarter, when sales leapt over 26%.


In a trading statement, Thorntons said sales at its own stores rose by 19.1% during the fourth quarter, recovering well from a poor first half to register 1.7% growth for the full year.


Meanwhile, like-for-like sales at Thorntons’ own stores were up by 7.2% in the quarter and by 0.8% for the full year. Thorntons said recent growth has been driven by improved product range and in-store activity.


Sales through franchises rose by 25.9% in the quarter and 1.5% for the year, while sales at Thorntons Direct were up by 60.2%, which the company said reflected a continued benefit from the significant investments made earlier in the year. Full-year sales at Thorntons Direct rose by 22.9% to GBP6.8m.

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“We have continued to make good progress in all sales channels following the difficult start to the year,” said CEO Mike Davies.


“Whereas growth in the last quarter is flattered by the 53rd week in 2006/07 and weak comparatives, own store like-for-like sales growth of 7.2% remains a solid achievement and underlines the progress made in the delivery of our sales and marketing led strategy.”

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