Key facts
- Lindt's overall sales dipped 0.9% in the first half of the year.
Lindt reported a decline in Easter chocolate sales, attributing the drop to an 11.8% price increase and weaker consumer demand, particularly in the UK, Germany, and Switzerland. The company is now adjusting prices and increasing marketing efforts for the latter half of the year.
Lindt's sales performance highlights the sensitivity of consumer purchasing behavior to price increases, especially in the premium chocolate market, and underscores the impact of broader economic and geopolitical factors on global sales.
Lindt has seen a decrease in its Easter chocolate sales, prompting a partial reversal of its price increase strategy. The Swiss chocolate maker reported an 11.8% price surge as a significant factor contributing to a revenue shrinkage in the first half of the year, with the UK, Germany, and Switzerland being particularly affected.
Beyond the price hike, Lindt also cited weaker Easter demand and a decline in tourism from Asia and the Middle East, attributed to geopolitical uncertainties, as reasons for the sales dip. Sales in airport locations specifically suffered due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and reduced passenger traffic.
Overall, the company's sales decreased by 0.9%, with European sales down by 2.1%. The volume of chocolate sold globally fell by 7.5%, and pre-tax profit declined by 1.5%. In contrast, sales showed improvement in North America, Australia, China, and Japan, although these regions represent a smaller portion of Lindt's total revenue compared to Europe.
In response to the downturn, Lindt has adjusted prices and increased marketing efforts in certain regions for the second half of the year. Chief executive Adalbert Lechner stated that the initiated actions are focused on achieving volume recovery in the latter half of 2026 and establishing a foundation for regaining volume growth momentum in 2027.