Thorntons sales decrease

UK confectioner Thorntons plc has announced that total sales for the business year 2005/2006 (ending 30th June) fell by 5.9% to €258.3m (previous year: €274.5m). In February the chocolate manufacturer and retailer reported worrying sales figures and blamed the overall poor performance of the UK confectionery market. In the own retail sector Thorntons reports a decrease from €51.2m to €45.6m, caused in part by the restructuring of the brand in Marks & Spencers retail outlets and a decision earlier in the year to withdraw from High Street stores. Sales to supermarkets however grew by 11.2% over the year. The subsidiary Thorntons Direct for online shopping reports a rise in sales of 6.4% to €8m.


Furthermore, Thorntons announcedthe appointment of Barry Bloomer as Operations Director, ith effect from 18 July 2006. Barry Bloomer jointhe company in July 2005, he has a very strong record in manufacturing and his previous jobs include Europeans Operations Director for Black & Decker, and
Quality Director for Philips Components. Peter Burdon, Chief Executive said:
“Barry has made a significant impact on our manufacturing, sourcing and distribution activities in his year with Thorntons and I am delighted to welcome him to the Board.”