Thorntons has reported strong like-for-like growth in the weeks up to and including January 10th, as customer spending on festive products increased.

In a statement, the chocolate-maker said that sales grew 5% in the period, as demand for seasonal goods such as advent calendars all contributed to the 7.8% rise during December.

Jonathan Hart, Thorntons' chief executive, commented: “The Retail division experienced strong like-for-like sales growth in the quarter with an outstanding Christmas season which highlights our shoppers' appreciation of our brand, product offering and in-store experience. Demand for our boxed chocolates, seasonal specialities and advent calendars was particularly high.  

"Alongside very positive results from our Retail division for the second year running, we were disappointed that the continued growth we anticipated in the UK Commercial channel of our FMCG division had not been delivered. The challenges we experienced within specific grocers accounted for the majority of the share decline.   

"Good growth in many of our grocery, convenience and high street accounts and a strong performance from our Retail division gives us confidence in shopper demand for our brand and products. We continue with our transformation towards an FMCG business and the investment in our people, systems and factory is ongoing. We have good plans for the spring seasons and the Board remains confident in its multi-channel strategy and ongoing transformation."