Lindt & Sprüngli outperforming the overall chocolate market

In local currencies, the Group’s sales growth increased by 24.9%. Without the first-time consolidation of Russell Stover, Lindt & Sprüngli achieved organic sales growth of 9.4%. This solid growth is being driven mainly by the core European markets, North America, the emerging markets and the company’s own worldwide store network Global Retail. Market share gains were achieved in all strategically important markets. Lindt & Sprüngli is extending its already strong leading position in North America with the integration of the US chocolate company Russell Stover, acquired last year.

Net income (EBIT) at the end of June 2015 was 17.5% higher than the same period in 2014, at CHF 90.6 m. The currency translation effect caused by the stronger Swiss franc on EBIT level was -10.6%. After deduction of taxes, which were slightly higher at a rate of 27.5% due to the profit contribution from Russell Stover, the Group’s net income was CHF 65.0 m. This represents an increase of CHF 9.2 m, or 16.5%, compared with the prior-year period. For the year 2015 as a whole, Lindt & Sprüngli confirms the existing medium to long-term strategic sales growth forecast, in local currency terms, of 6% to 8%.