Lindt cuts 2026 sales forecast to 0-2%
The Swiss chocolatier expects weaker European orders, particularly for seasonal products, while maintaining its 2026 EBIT margin and longer-term growth targets.
SWITZERLAND – Lindt & Sprüngli has lowered its 2026 organic sales growth forecast to between 0% and 2%, citing weaker volumes, increased consumer price sensitivity and an unprecedented heatwave in Europe.
The Swiss chocolate maker had previously expected organic sales growth of 4% to 6%. The revised outlook follows weaker-than-expected order volumes in several European markets, particularly Germany, Switzerland and Austria, where seasonal products were most affected.
Lindt said necessary price increases following historically high cocoa costs had contributed to greater price sensitivity among consumers. The company also said the European heatwave weighed on sales across the chocolate industry.
Despite the weaker sales outlook, Lindt maintained its 2026 EBIT margin guidance, targeting an improvement of 20 to 40 basis points compared with the previous year.
The company also reaffirmed its medium- to long-term targets from 2028, including organic sales growth of 6% to 8% and annual EBIT margin improvements of 20 to 40 basis points.
Lindt CEO Adalbert Lechner said: “As cocoa prices have eased from historical highs, we expect cost pressure to gradually normalise in the coming months.”
“We are confident that our adjusted pricing strategy, increased brand investments, innovations, and ongoing cost savings will materialise, and that demand will improve, contributing to a positive volume growth in 2027,” he added.
Lechner said trading outside Europe remained supportive, with robust performance in key markets including North America and Asia.
The revised outlook follows weaker first-half volumes after Lindt increased prices. The company’s volume and mix declined 7.5% during the first six months of 2026, following a 6.6% decline in 2025.
In the first half of 2026, Lindt recorded sales of SFr2.33 billion, with Europe accounting for nearly half of the total. An 11.8% increase in pricing helped the group achieve organic sales growth of 4.3% during the period.
To support volumes during the second half, Lindt is focusing on smaller pack sizes, lower prices in selected European markets and new retail stores. Lechner said premium gift boxes and praline assortments had experienced the sharpest volume declines, while lower-priced products were less affected.
The company expects its cost-saving measures, adjusted pricing strategy, brand investments and easing cocoa costs to support positive volume growth in 2027. Lindt will provide its 2027 financial guidance in the first quarter of next year.
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