Lindt Cuts 2026 Sales Outlook as Middle East Tensions Weigh on Demand
Lindt now expects organic sales growth of 4% to 6%, compared with its previous guidance of around 6% or higher for 2026 and the years ahead. The revised outlook triggered a sharp reaction in the market, with the company’s voting shares falling about 7.8% during trading and participation certificates dropping around 10.9%, marking one of the stock’s weakest trading days since 1987.
Despite weaker volume growth, Lindt continues to benefit from price increases implemented over the past year to offset higher cocoa costs.
The company reported that operating profit rose roughly 18% in 2025, exceeding analysts’ expectations as the manufacturer successfully passed rising input costs to consumers.
Earnings before interest and taxes reached 971 million Swiss francs (approximately $1.25 billion), surpassing the average analyst forecast of 968.9 million Swiss francs.
Earlier in the year, Lindt also reported organic sales growth of 12.4%, slightly ahead of market expectations, helped by a 19% price increase implemented across parts of its product range.
Lindt’s management indicated that price adjustments will continue into 2026. The company plans double-digit price increases ahead of the Easter season, followed by a period where volumes may soften during the first half of the year before demand stabilizes later.
Meanwhile, London cocoa futures have recently pulled back after the sharp rally seen in 2025, reflecting ongoing volatility in global cocoa supply and demand dynamics.
The combination of geopolitical uncertainty, shifting tourism flows, and historically high cocoa prices continues to shape the outlook for premium chocolate producers heading into 2026.
