in million CHF
in million CHF
* Includes one-off effects of CHF 81.6 million. Without these effects the EBIT amounts to CHF 674.6 million and the EBIT margin to 15.0%.
Despite the problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Lindt & Sprüngli had a comparatively solid performance in the region of “Europe”, reporting a modest decline in sales of –2.9% to CHF 2.01 billion. Sales increased in Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain as well as the markets in Eastern Europe, Nordic, and the Netherlands.
During the reporting period, performance in the “North America” region was heavily influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic. Annual sales amounted to CHF 1.54 billion, equivalent to a decline of -6.8% in organic sales growth. The performance of the own shops was severely impacted by repeated lockdowns. Despite this, Lindt & Sprüngli still managed to increase its market shares across the entire region. In the US, Canada, and Mexico the bestsellers Lindor and Excellence once again proved to be the key growth drivers. Wholesale had a strong year thanks to increased self-consumption of chocolate bars at home and the performance of the baking segment. Online sales doubled compared to the previous year. However, this dynamic performance could only partially compensate for the decline in sales at the own shops. Improved efficiency in the supply chain helped increase the profitability of the “North America” segment.
The markets in the “Rest of the World“ segment were strongly influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The region recorded a decline in sales mainly due to the strong decline of the Travel-Retail business and the temporary shop closures as a result of the lockdowns, sales of CHF 0.47 billion. Organic sales development was at -16.1%. Positive highlights were the markets in China and Japan, which still achieved good sales growth. Holistic e-commerce concepts and the expansion of digital sales and marketing channels made it possible to serve consumers even in exceptional times. The expansion of the own retail business was continued and complemented with an innovative shop-in-shop concept.
Tracebility and farmer organization
Farmer training and knowledge transfer
Farmer investment and community development
Verification and continuos progress
Lindt & Sprüngli's success as a company relies on the commitment of its dedicated and professional staff. In a highly competitive labor market, we strive to attract and promote the best talents, and ensure they stay with us over the long term. In the interests of our shareholders, we take a transparent and sustainable approach to compensation. This Compensation Report describes the basis and principles of remuneration for the most senior officers of the Lindt & Sprüngli Group.