Lindt & Sprüngli recorded a 12,4% growth in organic sales, reaching CHF 5,92 billion (approximately EUR 6,56 billion), despite a volatile economic environment and record increases in cocoa costs.
Operating profit (EBIT) rose 9,8% to 971,0 million francs (1,08 billion euros), with a margin of 16,4%, while net profit reached 726,7 million francs (804 million euros), corresponding to 12,3% of sales, maintaining the margin of the previous year. Free cash flow stood at 446,3 million francs (495 million euros), representing 7,5% of sales.
According to the group, " geopolitical and economic uncertainties have led to a weak climate of consumer confidence, and cocoa costs, which have reached unprecedented levels, have resulted in double-digit price increases, leading to a reduction in volumes across the sector ."
Lindt & Sprüngli further states that organic growth was driven by group-wide price increases of 19%, partially offset by a lower-than-expected drop in volume/ mix of -6,6%.
Europe leads organic growth.
In Europe, the group recorded organic growth of 15,3%, with notable growth in the Benelux, Central and Eastern Europe, Nordic countries, Spain, and Portugal markets, all exceeding 20%. Other core markets , including Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, also contributed with solid double-digit results.
In North America, despite a weak market and high inflation, sales grew 8,9%, driven by the success of premium brands Lindt and Ghirardelli and seasonal products, with growth of 11,9% in the second half of the year, supported by the launch of Dubai Style Chocolate.
In the rest of the world, sales grew by 11,7%, with notable growth in Japan, Brazil, South Africa, China, and Chile, where the group opened six new stores. The expansion also included a joint venture in Saudi Arabia, the opening of an office in Bulgaria, and a retail partnership in Malaysia.
Company-owned stores and online channels continued to be a strategic driver of growth and brand consolidation for Lindt & Sprüngli in 2025. Global retail sales grew by 20,8% compared to 2024, driven by both organic growth in existing stores and expansion of the retail network. New developments included flagship stores in London and Vienna, as well as entry into new markets such as Mexico, Chile, and New Zealand. In total, Lindt & Sprüngli now operates 621 stores worldwide, including 53 new openings throughout 2025.
Outlook for 2026
Due to geopolitical uncertainties, the group anticipates sales growth of between 4% and 6% and a slight improvement in operating margin for the 2026 financial year.
Lindt & Sprüngli anticipates that “ the trend of transitioning from consuming chocolate in quantity to consuming quality will continue, reinforcing its long-term strategy as a market leader in the premium chocolate category .” For 2027 and subsequent years, the group continues to reiterate its strategic targets for organic sales growth in the medium and long term, ranging between 6% and 8%.
