Chocolate-maker Lindt & Sprüngli has posted an organic sales increase of 5.1% in full-year 2018, to CHF 4.3 billion (€3.8 billion).
Operating profit was up 6.9%, to CHF 636.7 million (€560.29 million), the group reported, with EBIT margin 20 basis points higher, at 14.8%.
The group reported in a statement that, despite the ‘challenging market environment in 2018’, it ‘further extended its leading position in the premium chocolate market’, with growth seen in all markets in which it has a presence.
Its European division, which accounts for close to half of group sales, saw organic growth of 5.6% for the year, with sales performances particularly strong in the UK, Germany, Austria and Spain.
The group is also near completion of its Olten facility, in Switzerland, which is scheduled to open in June.
Outside Europe
In North America, the group posted organic sales growth of 2.8%, with double-digit growth in its Canadian business.
The rest-of-world business saw growth of 10.3%, it added, with Japan, South Africa, Brazil and China all posting double-digit increases.
Looking ahead to the coming year, Lindt & Sprüngli reported that it anticipates sales growth of 5% to 7% in the mid- to long term.
‘The Group expects organic growth in sales and profits for the 2019 financial year to be within the mid- to long-term target range,’ it reported.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
