Lindt to cut prices as chocolate demand weakens in key markets
Lindt earlier revised its full-year 2026 outlook for organic sales growth to a range of 0%–2%, down from 4–6% previously, having already trimmed it in March.
Swiss chocolate company Lindt & Sprüngli has lowered its 2026 sales growth forecast to between 0%-2% from the previously expected 4%-6%. The reduction in growth outlook is attributed to weaker demand in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria following price hikes and a particularly hot summer. Higher consumer price sensitivity resulted in lower-than-expected orders, especially for seasonal products in these markets.
Lindt CEO Adalbert Lechner attributed the weaker-than-expected order volumes to necessary price increases due to high cocoa prices and subdued consumer sentiment, particularly affecting seasonal businesses. Despite these challenges, the company expects positive volume growth in 2027, driven by pricing strategy adjustments, increased brand investment, new product launches, and cost savings.
Lower cocoa prices are also anticipated to support margins. Lindt maintained its target of a 20-40 basis point improvement in EBIT margin for 2026 and a medium- to long-term goal of 6%-8% organic sales growth, along with a 20-40 basis point annual EBIT margin expansion starting in 2028. The company's 2025 sales amounted to 5.92 billion Swiss francs, with the 2026 net sales to be disclosed on January 19, 2027.
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