Aga expects a 'reasonable' autumn

The maker of Aga cast-iron cookers said it expected "reasonable" sales this autumn despite signs that consumer confidence is flagging.

Aga Rangemaster returned to the black in the six months to 30 June but said it did not expect much of a rebound while consumers remained cautious about committing to larger-value purchases.

Having survived the recession, Aga Rangemaster posted operating profits of £800,000 in the first half of 2010. Its revenues were up by 5 per cent to £123m after an improvement in Aga sales volumes as existing owners upgraded their models and burner systems.

Revenues declined for the company's all-in-one cooker-boiler brands, Rayburn and Stanley, as enthusiasm for solid fuel and wood-burning models cooled.