Aga cooks up French feast

In a trading update Aga reported revenues for the year were up 5% on 2009's £245 million. Increased sales of Aga and Rangemaster cookers boosted performance with Aga cookers closing particularly strongly and well up year on year. Overall, cast iron cooker sales, including Rayburn and Stanley - where sales are largely in Ireland - were lower in the full year but ahead in the second half. Rangemaster cooker sales volumes were up nearly 5% in the year with almost one quarter of sales being exports - up over 21% on 2009. France is now its largest export market. Chief executive William McGrath (pictured) commented: "Our two core brands, Rangemaster and the classic AGA, put in strong performances and were key to the sales rebound we saw during 2010. We now have a solid financial and operational base to build on, supported by an excellent range of new products coming down the track. Despite the continued uncertain markets, the Group feels well positioned as we move into 2011."