Dubai Style Chocolate key driver of Lindt’s strong H1 2025 performance
Lindt’s premium brand credentials were reinforced by the Dubai Style Chocolate launch and its crowning as the world’s most valuable chocolate brand in 2025.
SWITZERLAND – The Lindt & Sprüngli Group, a premium Swiss chocolatier, delivered strong results in the first half of 2025, achieving 11.2% organic sales growth to CHF (Swiss francs) 2.35 billion (US$2.9 billion), reflecting a 9.0% increase in sales.
This was reportedly boosted by price increases of 15.8% that offset higher cocoa costs. While volume/mix declined by 4.6%, demand for core products such as Lindor and Excellence, along with innovations like Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate, fueled growth.
“I’m proud of what our teams achieved in the first half of the year. We have shown resilience in a challenging market environment. Innovations like our Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate aren’t just new products, they’re a reflection of how we connect with our consumers and reinforce our premium positioning,” Adalbert Lechner, Group CEO of Lindt & Sprüngli, commented.
Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) stood at CHF 259.2 million (US$320 million), translating to a margin of 11.0%. This compares to CHF 292.3 million (US$360 million) and a 13.5% margin in the prior year, which a one-off legal settlement had lifted.
Tight cost control, efficiency gains, and pricing helped maintain profitability despite commodity cost pressures.
Net income came in at CHF 188.9 million (US$233 million), while free cash flow dropped to CHF -79.7 million due to higher inventory valuations linked to cocoa prices. The equity ratio strengthened to 55.6% from 52.8% at year-end 2024.
Regional performance was led by Europe, which posted a 17.7% organic sales increase, with all subsidiaries delivering double-digit growth. Strongest gains, above 20%, came from the Nordics, Benelux, Central Eastern Europe, France, and Austria.
North America grew 3.6% organically, below expectations, due to weak consumer sentiment, with Russell Stover experiencing higher price sensitivity than other brands.
The Rest of the World delivered 7.8% organic growth, with double-digit gains in Japan, Brazil, South Africa, and China.
Global Retail remained a significant growth engine, with sales up 22.1% and store count reaching 590 worldwide, compared to 530 a year earlier.
Tourist hubs and premium locations, such as the new flagship store in London’s Piccadilly Circus, opened in March with brand ambassador Roger Federer and attracted strong foot traffic.
The company continued to advance its strategic priorities of geographic expansion, product innovation, and operational investment.
The Dubai Style Chocolate launch targeted younger demographics and new markets, while Lindt expanded into high-potential countries like Saudi Arabia, Chile, and India.
Lindt’s premium brand positioning was reinforced when it was named the world’s most valuable chocolate brand in the 2025 Kantar BrandZ ranking, placing eighth in the global Food & Beverages category. This recognition reflects its focus on quality, innovation, and consumer trust.
Looking ahead, Lindt & Sprüngli has raised its full-year 2025 organic sales growth guidance to 9–11% (from 7–9%).
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