Lindt Lowers 2026 Sales Forecast Amid Weak European Demand
Lindt & Sprüngli reduced its 2026 organic sales growth target to 0%-2% due to high cocoa costs and subdued consumer sentiment in Europe.
Swiss chocolate maker Lindt & Sprüngli reduced its full-year 2026 organic sales growth forecast to 0%-2%, a significant drop from its previous target of 4%-6%. The company cited weak demand in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, which was exacerbated by an unusually hot summer and increased consumer price sensitivity.
Group CEO Adalbert Lechner attributed the decline to price hikes necessitated by historically high cocoa costs, noting that these factors led to weaker-than-expected order volumes in European seasonal businesses. While European markets struggled, the company reported stronger performance in North America and Asia, which helped offset some of the regional weakness.
Despite the lowered sales outlook, Lindt maintained its 2026 target for a 20-40 basis point improvement in its EBIT margin. The company expects cost pressures to normalize as cocoa prices ease and anticipates a return to positive volume growth in 2027 through brand investment, new product launches, and a revised pricing strategy.
