[REVISION HISTORY]

Lindt & Sprüngli leadership changes and pricing shifts

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What changed

2026-10-25 16:09 UTC → 2026-10-26 07:52 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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