Lindt & Sprüngli reports 4.3% organic sales growth in H1 2026

SWITZERLAND – Lindt & Sprüngli Group reported organic sales growth of 4.3% to CHF 2.33 billion (US$2.87B) in the first half of 2026, driven by strong performances in North America and Rest of the World, despite weaker demand in Europe and the impact of significant price increases across its global business. 

The premium chocolate maker posted operating profit (EBIT) of CHF 260.2 million (US$320.26M), compared with CHF 259.2 million (US$319.0M) in the first half of 2025, while improving its EBIT margin to 11.2% from 11.0% a year earlier. 

During the reporting period, the Group implemented average price increases of 11.8% to offset higher costs. However, these increases contributed to a 7.5% decline in Volume/Mix as softer consumer demand weighed on sales, particularly in Europe. 

According to the company, the first half was affected by ongoing geopolitical tensions, continued market volatility and inflation, which weakened consumer confidence and reduced tourism flows from Asia and the Middle East into Europe. 

To support recovery, Lindt & Sprüngli said it has introduced targeted price adjustments in selected markets and will increase brand activations during the second half of 2026 while maintaining cost discipline and operational efficiency. These measures are expected to stabilize volumes later this year and support future growth. 

Europe recorded an organic sales decline of 2.1%, reflecting a weaker Easter trading period, subdued consumer spending and lower tourist arrivals.  

The company said mature markets including Germany, Switzerland and the UK experienced slower performance, while smaller markets such as Benelux, Central and Eastern Europe, Iberia and the Nordics delivered strong double-digit growth. 

North America remained the company’s strongest-performing region, achieving organic sales growth of 12.7%. Lindt said the region continued to benefit from premiumization trends, with Lindt and Ghirardelli driving growth across premium chocolate categories. 

Strong demand for Lindor, dark chocolate, seasonal products, Ghirardelli Baking, Russell Stover and recently launched Dubai Style products also supported regional performance. 

The Rest of the World segment recorded organic growth of 10.2%, led by strong performances in Australia, China, Japan and the company’s distributor business. However, Global Travel Retail declined as ongoing conflicts in the Middle East reduced airport passenger traffic. 

Global Retail posted organic sales growth of 4.3% despite weaker tourism and an unprecedented European heatwave. The company expanded its retail network to 648 stores, up from 621 at the end of 2025, opening a flagship store in Lucerne, Switzerland, extending its factory outlet in Aachen, Germany, and launching its first retail store in Shanghai, China. 

Looking ahead, Lindt & Sprüngli said it remains confident of achieving its full-year 2026 guidance, forecasting organic sales growth of 4% to 6% and an improvement in EBIT margin of 20 to 40 basis points while maintaining its long-term premium chocolate growth strategy. 

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