Fortnum & Mason has reported a surge in profits,buoyed by new oulets and demand for
its hampers and caddies of loose -leaf tea.

The 307-year-old retailer,best known for its flagship store in Piccadilly,London , said 
pretax profits had more than doubled to 3.8m in the year to July,while sales jumped 
14% to 74.4m.

" We are thrilled with the figures ," said Fortnum's chief executive ,Ewan Venters." The
last financial year was a landmark one for use and the new stores at St Pancras and 
in Dubai,have both been big success stories. Piccadilly has gone from strength too"

Fortnum opened its first new store in more than 300 years at St Pancras station in London 
Last November. It followed that up this year with its first outlet outside the UK , in Dubai,
albeit operated by a third party , and recently made its debut at Heathrow Terminal 5.

Fortnum , owned by the Weston family that controls Associated British Foods,said hamper sales
had increased 18% during the year and tea sales 13% Online sales increased 25%.

The departmetn store group makes the bulk of its profits over Christmas,and Venters was 
confident as it entered the key trading period " We're very excited about Christmas ,naturally.
and all the signs suggest we are going to have our best festive season on record too."