Chocolate seller sees profits rise through recession

UK chocolate retailer Thorntons today said it expected profits to beat market forecasts after this year’s longer Easter selling season helped sweeten sales.

The firm reported a 3.3% hike in own-store comparable sales in the third quarter thanks to an extra three weeks to sell chocolate before Easter compared with last year.

Thorntons said it now expected underlying pre-tax profits of at least £5m (€5.64m) for the 12 months to the end of June – higher than the £3m (€3.38m) pencilled in by analysts, although the group made £8.5m (€9.6m) in profits the previous year.

Shares leapt 10% on news of the improved recent sales performance.