# Lindt & Sprüngli leadership changes and pricing shifts > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lindt-sprngli-sales-growth-forecast-reduction > Updated: 2026-10-25T21:30:18.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 5. Lindt & Sprüngli has significantly reduced its organic sales growth forecast for 2026, lowering expectations to a range of 0% to 2% from an earlier projection of 4% to 6%. This represents the company’s second downward revision within the year. Management attributed the slowdown to several factors, including high consumer price sensitivity, weak consumer confidence, and an unprecedented European summer heatwave that dampened demand. The company also noted lower-than-expected order volumes in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. These issues were further complicated by historically high cocoa prices, which necessitated previous price increases. In response to these market conditions, the company is implementing an adjusted pricing strategy, increasing brand investment, and pursuing cost-saving measures. Despite the lowered sales outlook, Lindt maintains its target to improve its EBIT margin by 20 to 40 basis points for 2026. As part of an innovation strategy ahead of the Christmas season, the company has also launched new products, such as the Lindor golden caramel and hazelnut in Italy. Recent developments have led to significant leadership instability. The Board of Directors has dismissed CEO Adalbert Lechner with immediate effect following the repeated revenue forecast downgrades. The company admitted to misjudging consumer resistance to price hikes implemented after cocoa prices reached historic highs, a strategy that negatively impacted demand in German and Swiss markets. Dieter Weisskopf has been appointed as interim CEO, with a permanent replacement expected in the second quarter of 2027. Executive Chairman Ernst Tanner has ruled out his own resignation, stating he intends to help steer the company back to its target course. Additionally, Michal Spiller, the head of German operations, is leaving the company after more than two decades. These changes follow a decline in stock value, with participation certificates on the Zurich exchange falling by more than one-third since the spring. ## Claims - The company misjudged consumer response to price increases. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Cocoa prices reached historic highs starting in 2024. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Dieter Weisskopf has been appointed as interim CEO. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Lindt & Sprüngli shares have fallen by more than 25 percent this year. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Lindt & Sprüngli removed CEO Adalbert Lechner. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Lindt & Sprüngli will not implement group-wide job cuts. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Ernst Tanner declined to resign from his position as Executive Chairman. (corroborated by 2 sources) - A permanent CEO is expected to be named in the second quarter of 2027. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-25: Lindt & Sprüngli chairman admits price hikes hurt demand Lindt & Sprüngli chairman Ernst Tanner admitted the company misjudged consumer demand after raising prices to offset high cocoa costs, leading to a 25% drop in share value this year. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lindt-sprngli-chairman-admits-price-hikes-hurt-demand ### 2026-10-24: Lindt faces market challenges amid quality and pricing concerns Lindt faces declining market performance and consumer pushback following price hikes and changes to product ingredients, such as the use of palm kernel fat in its Lindor range. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lindt-faces-market-challenges-amid-quality-and-pricing-concerns ### 2026-10-23: Lindt & Sprüngli ousts CEO amid pricing crisis Lindt & Sprüngli has replaced CEO Adalbert Lechner with interim head Dieter Weisskopf after misjudging consumer response to price hikes driven by high cocoa costs. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lindt-sprngli-faces-leadership-changes-amid-price-cuts ### 2026-10-04: Lindt lowers 2026 growth forecasts amid new product launch Lindt is launching a new Lindor flavor in Italy while lowering its 2026 organic sales growth forecast to 0-2% due to consumer price sensitivity and extreme European heat. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lindt-lowers-2026-growth-forecasts-amid-new-product-launch ### 2026-09-29: Lindt & Sprüngli cuts 2026 sales growth forecast Lindt & Sprüngli has cut its 2026 organic sales growth forecast to 0-2% due to extreme European heatwaves and high consumer price sensitivity following increased cocoa costs. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lindt-sprngli-lowers-2026-organic-sales-growth-guidance --- Cite as: Lindt & Sprüngli leadership changes and pricing shifts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lindt-sprngli-sales-growth-forecast-reduction