Lindt & Sprüngli adjusted its 2026 full-year outlook for organic revenue growth downward to 0-2%, down from a previous forecast of 4-6%, the Swiss premium chocolate maker said in an ad-hoc filing on Sept. 29, 2026.
The company confirmed its expectation that the EBIT margin will improve by 20-40 basis points compared with the prior year, and reiterated its medium- to long-term targets of 6-8% organic revenue growth and annual EBIT-margin expansion of 20-40 basis points from 2028 onward.
Group CEO Adalbert Lechner attributed the weakening in several European markets — particularly Germany, Switzerland and Austria — to heightened consumer price sensitivity following necessary price increases driven by historically high cocoa costs. Order volumes, especially in seasonal business, fell below expectations. Extreme summer heat across Europe further dampened chocolate sales industry-wide.
"The necessary price increases due to historically high cocoa prices and the cautious consumer mood led to lower-than-expected order volumes in some European markets, particularly in seasonal business," Lechner said. "The extreme heat this summer additionally had a negative impact on sales in Europe."
Growth remained robust in key markets outside Europe, notably North America and Asia, the company said.
Lechner noted that cocoa prices have receded from their historical peaks and said he expects cost pressure to normalize gradually in coming months. Lindt & Sprüngli anticipates positive volume growth in 2027, supported by an adjusted pricing strategy, higher brand investments, continued innovation, cost savings and lower cocoa input prices.
"We expect demand to recover and we anticipate positive volume growth in 2027 — thanks to our adapted pricing strategy, increased brand investments, our innovative strength and consistent cost management, supported by our strong balance sheet and our consistently robust free cash flow," Lechner said.
The group reaffirmed its strategic medium- to long-term growth targets beginning in 2028, based on its adjusted pricing approach and disciplined cost management. It said its full-year financial outlook for 2027 will be published in the first quarter of 2027.
Lindt & Sprüngli reported 2025 revenue of CHF 5.92 billion across 12 production sites in Europe and the U.S., 41 subsidiaries and branches, approximately 100 distributors globally, and around 650 owned shops, with roughly 15,500 employees.
