FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                    25 MAY 2010

THORNTONS PLC

("Thorntons" or "the Company")

Board Change and trading update

Thorntons announces that Mike Davies has informed the Board of his decision to retire as Chief Executive. In the light of new challenges, principally the management of Thorntons' retail estate, Mr. Davies has decided that a Chief Executive with specific retail expertise is required to lead the business.

Mr. Davies will remain in place until a suitable candidate has been identified. A search for his successor has been initiated.

In the last four years, Mr. Davies led Thorntons' restructuring and significantly improved its manufacturing operations, the product range and the performance of its Commercial Channel. During this period, Thorntons increased its branded market share and grew sales year on year.

Until a new appointment has been made, John von Spreckelsen will act as Executive Chairman.

Since the last trading update issued on 20 April 2010 the Company has continued to experience a tough trading environment in Own Stores together with a temporary decline in Commercial channel sales. Own stores sales have continued to experience like for like sales declines together with higher than anticipated discount costs on clearing excess stocks. Commercial sales were also lower than expected during the end of April and early May but have since recovered to previously forecast levels.

The Board has therefore revised its outlook for the remainder of the year and now expects profit before tax and exceptional items and impairment charges to be lower than previously indicated.

A full trading update will be issued on July 14 2010.

End

For further information please contact:

Cardew Group

Anthony Cardew                                                                                             T: 020 7930 0777

                                                                                                                        M: 07770 720 389