Autumn sales hot up for Aga

AGA Rangemaster, the maker of cast-iron Aga cookers, revealed yesterday it was on track to meet forecasts this year after an autumnal pick-up in sales in what it claimed were its "aspirational" cookers.

The group's trading update said there had been a 5 per cent hike in Aga volumes this year as owners upgraded their models and burner systems.

Chief executive William McGrath said he was encouraged by the performance of the company's brands during the key autumn selling period despite a tough house market.

Rangemaster has been the main contributor to the group during 2010, with cooker volumes up 5 per cent and exports now accounting for 25 per cent of sales.

The UK made 62 per cent of sales in the half-year, with 23 per cent from Europe and 15 per cent in North America and the rest of the world.