Lindt & Sprüngli is considering cutting prices in some markets after its Easter trading was hit by weaker consumer demand.

Sales volumes fell 7.5 per cent during the first half of 2026 as the Lindor and Gold Bunny maker increased prices by an average of 11.8 per cent to offset higher input costs.

The Swiss chocolatier said it could introduce selective price reductions, promotions and changes to pack sizes in countries where shoppers had reacted most strongly to the increases.

A Lindt spokesperson said the measures would be used to stimulate volumes during the second half, although the business did not specify which markets would be affected.

European organic sales dropped 2.1 per cent during the six months as a subdued Easter season and weaker consumer confidence weighed on demand.

The company said reduced tourism from Asia and the Middle East had also affected trading in major destinations and travel retail locations, including London, Paris and Vienna.

Despite the volume decline, group organic sales increased 4.3 per cent to CHF2.33bn, supported by higher prices and double-digit growth across North America and the rest of the world.

However, sales reported in Swiss francs fell 0.9 per cent from CHF2.35bn the previous year due largely to weaker foreign currencies.

Operating profit edged up from CHF259.2m to CHF260.2m, while its operating margin increased from 11 per cent to 11.2 per cent.

Net profit rose 1.5 per cent to CHF191.7m.

Lindt maintained its full-year forecast for organic sales growth of between 4 per cent and 6 per cent, alongside an improvement in its operating margin of between 20 and 40 basis points.

It expects European trading to improve during the second half as it steps up promotional activity and introduces more affordable pack formats.

However, the company warned that cocoa costs could remain volatile. Chief financial officer Martin Hug said future harvests were unlikely to produce the same surplus as the current crop, particularly amid the risk of a strong El Niño weather event.

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