Lindt announced a contraction in revenue during the first half of the year, attributing the decline to multiple factors including a companywide price adjustment and reduced consumer demand around the Easter season. The Swiss chocolate manufacturer raised prices by 11.8% as part of what it characterized as a necessary cost management strategy, but the move coincided with weakened sales particularly in mature European markets including the UK, Germany, and Switzerland.
Beyond pricing pressures, the company identified geopolitical uncertainties as a headwind, noting reduced tourism from Asia and the Middle East contributed to softer demand. Airport sales of Lindt chocolate also declined, linked to ongoing Middle East conflicts that reduced passenger traffic. In response to the challenging environment, the company indicated it had adjusted its pricing strategy and increased promotional spending in select markets to stimulate volume recovery during the second half of the year.
Financially, Lindt’s overall sales declined 0.9%, while European sales fell 2.1%. By volume, the company sold 7.5% less chocolate than the prior period, and pre-tax profit dropped 1.5%. The company noted that price-sensitive markets were particularly affected by the increase. Some geographic markets proved more resilient, with sales rising in North America, Australia, China, and Japan, though these regions represent a smaller portion of Lindt’s revenue base compared to Europe, which generates over half of total sales.
Chief Executive Adalbert Lechner emphasized the company’s focus on volume recovery in the second half of the year and establishing conditions for renewed volume growth in 2027. Lindt’s experience reflects broader challenges facing the chocolate industry, as climate-related pressures on cocoa production have elevated ingredient costs industry-wide. Current data shows chocolate and confectionery prices rising at an annual rate of 7.9%, substantially exceeding the general UK inflation rate of 2.8%.