Thorntons has rolled out its Continental chocolates - previously only in its own stores - to Tesco.

The boxed chocolates, Advent calendar and chocolate tree will be exclusive to Tesco at Christmas but distribution to other multiples next spring is planned.

The move is part of the multi-channel strategy it has worked on since 2011. Last month, it reported a 7% drop in sales from its own shops in the three months to 6 October, while supermarket sales rose 9.8%.