Lindt & Sprüngli continues to grow faster than the overall chocolate markets

 

Lindt & Sprüngli reported sales in Swiss franc terms worth CHF 3.385 bn in the fiscal year 2014. This is a growth of 17.4% against in the previous year. Including non-recurring costs and special expenditure based on IFRS standards in connection with the acquisition of Russell Stover, the company reached an operating profit (EBIT) of CHF 474.3 m (+17.4%). In local currency terms, acquisition-adjusted organic growth of 9.8% is well in excess of the medium to long-term annual growth target of 6-8%. Excluding the proportionate contribution of Russell Stover, the EBIT margin grew by 20 basis points to 14.2% in line with the strategic earnings forecast of an increase of between 20 and 40 basis points.

 

These good results were achieved despite largely subdued consumer sentiment, high commodity prices, and a challenging currency situation. The above-average growth of the Group once again clearly exceeds that of the chocolate markets and was driven by higher volumes and innovations, further progress in the seasonal sector, and strong development of the company’s own global network of retail outlets. Substantial market share gains were made in all the core markets and in the emerging growth markets.

 

 

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