Lindt & Sprüngli sales up by 250 million Swiss francs in 2005

In 2005, Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG increased Group sales by around CHF 250 million to CHF 2.247 billion (previous year, restated in accordance with IFRS: CHF 1.995 billion). This represents an increase of 12.6% over 2004. Organic growth in local currency terms amounts to 11.4%, denoting that for the second year in succession, Lindt & Sprüngli has posted double-digit growth. According to the company, this result was achieved despite the ongoing sluggishness of the markets and extremely aggressive competitors.

Although the development of chocolate consumption varied from country to country, overall markets were less dynamic than in 2004. In important markets like Germany and Switzerland, market research institutes actually reported a decline in consumption for the first nine month of 2005. It is therefore all the more encouraging that all Group companies contributed toLindt & Sprüngli s above-average growth. The rise in sales in the most important product categories was also well above average.

All-year-round products and seasonal gift collections for Christmas and Easter, as well as mono pralinés and assorted pralinés, posted substantial gains in marketshare in various countries. The product ranges and activities after the summer break were likewise very well received. The trade reacted extremely positive to the Christmas range, which prompted Lindt & Sprüngli to further increase its marketing investments towards the end of the year. This, again, will be reflected in market share.

As in previous years, Lindt & Sprüngli expects that the percentage increase in EBIT and net income will be slightly higher than the growth in sales, and that this should help ensure that long-term strategic goals are met. The complete financial statements will be published on 14 March 2006.