Europe

The German market achieved organic sales growth of 6.1% to EUR 734 million. The highlight of the year in the German market was the 70^th anniversary of the Lindt Gold Bunny, which was celebrated with a glittering special edition. This special edition of our iconic product contributed to maintaining our market leadership in the Easter market at the highest level. Sales of Lindor pralinés also developed positively, meaning that this key franchise once again made the largest contribution to growth. As a result, Lindt remains the number 1 in the praliné segment in Germany. This development was supported by the introduction of the Lindor Double Chocolate flavor, a positive launch supported by extensive advertising measures. As in other markets, a contrary effect can be observed in Germany in comparison with the two previous years, which were determined by the pandemic. Products that are frequently gifted – such as Lindor – increased, while sales of chocolate bars declined slightly. Consumers bought less for themselves and more to gift. This is particularly noticeable in the retail channel, which recorded positive growth. The Group’s own shops performed even better, as consumers once again increasingly sought a personal shopping experience, leading to an increase in footfall.

The Italian market generated sales of EUR 277 million, which corresponds to organic growth of 6.4%. This development was influenced by several factors. The merger of Lindt & Sprüngli Italy with Caffarel has more than exceeded expectations and now forms a powerful integrated organization across all retail channels, both in traditional retail and in our own Lindt Shops. Lindt & Sprüngli is thus further expanding its market share in Italy, strengthening its position in the premium segment, and is now the leading chocolate supplier in the traditional retail. Sales growth has been driven by wholesale and, above all, by the Group’s own shops. This also confirms last year’s decision to take over the stores of an existing distribution partner. These stores have been integrated, thus achieving greater visibility at the best sales locations with corresponding increases in sales. The most important product remains Lindor, which was particularly sought after in elaborate gift packaging and, together with the Gold Bunny, contributed to a very successful Easter business. The Excellence brand has strengthened its leading position in dark chocolate, including the new Excellence 70% Delicato – which is less bitter – to gain new followers for chocolates with a high cocoa content. Chocolates with nut and pistachio recipes remain the most important flavors on the Italian market. In order to cater to pistachio lovers, a special package of Lindor truffles with pistachio, a new milk chocolate with pistachio and a Lindor pistachio snack were launched on the market with great success at Easter. In the financial year 2021, Lindt & Sprüngli Italy sought a new Master Chocolatier through TV casting and achieved a high level of success. Interest in this project is still ongoing – the winner and new Master Chocolatier Lisa Pericoli presents her work and experiences to Lindt & Sprüngli target groups on various online channels, thus attracting further interest in the Lindt brand.

In the markets of Spain and Portugal on the Iberian Peninsula, Lindt & Sprüngli generated sales of EUR 101 million in 2022 and organic sales growth of 9.3%, which was mainly achieved by the Lindor product group, while in the chocolate bar segment, demand was mainly for milk chocolate. At the same time, the praliné segment shows a trend towards dark chocolate, to which Lindt already has a suitable response with the recently launched Nuxor Dark. The strongest sales channels were the Group’s own shops, which grew organically thanks to newly launched products, such as the Crema Gelata ice cream, and the return of tourism, and also through newly opened shops. Traditional retail and various online channels also contributed to the growth. For Spain and Portugal, the Christmas business is still the most important season of the year, significantly more so than in other markets. This business was very successful last year, particularly due to the sales of pralinés. In addition, Easter is a seasonal business with increasing growth rates and a great deal of potential. This is particularly true in Portugal, where certain chocolate traditions are only just being established. In the previous financial year, the Gold Bunny was considered a top novelty in the Easter business.