Lindt & Sprüngli significantly outperforms the overall chocolate market

According to the company, group sales amounted to CHF 3.65 bn, equivalent to 13.5% growth in local currencies. As in previous years, the Swiss franc strengthened against the major currencies, which had a negative impact of 5.6 percentage points on consolidated sales figures. With this element factored in, sales increased by 7.9% in Swiss francs. Lindt & Sprüngli Group organic sales growth was 7.1% – well within the strategic target range of 6-8%.

Organic growth in the Europe segment amounted to 5.4% in local currencies, with every country making a solid contribution to this positive development. Lindt & Sprüngli UK achieved double-digit growth; great performances were also reported by Germany and France, the Group’s biggest European subsidiaries. The Group continues to significantly outperform the chocolate markets as a whole, which still lack major growth drivers. Market share gains were achieved in all strategically important markets. The integration of Russell Stover/Whitman’s, the largest acquisition in the history of the Lindt & Sprüngli Group, is well on track.

The Global Retail Division is making an increasingly important contribution to the Group’s sales and growth. Another 52 own retail stores were added to the global network in 2015. In Brazil alone, 16 Lindt boutiques opened in prime locations during the year. The sales generated by Lindt & Sprüngli’s network of retail outlets now account for more than 10% of overall Group sales. Global Retail thus makes not only a significant contribution to the Group’s financial success, but continues to strengthen the global image and recognition of the Lindt & Sprüngli brands.