Lindt issues grim price warning to chocolate lovers across Europe – 'we've got no choice'

Swiss chocolate manufacturer Lindt, known for its famous bunnies, has announced it might have to increase its prices from this year.

Speaking to actu.fr they said they wanted to increase their prices both in 2024 and 2025. They claimed they had “no choice” because of the increase in the price of materials needed to produce their products such as cocoa beans, milk, and sugar.

General secretary of the chocolate union, Gilles Rouvière, who represents over 70 brands including Lindt said the issues were because of problems in other countries.

He explained: “The fault lies with torrential rains in Ivory Coast and Ghana, combined with a significant drought, which disrupted the harvests.”

As a result of the extreme weather in areas where the raw materials are produced, prices have skyrocketed. In one country, the price per tonne of cocoa increased by 114 percent to an average £3,843.43 euros across the year while one tonne of cocoa sold for £5,088.46 on New York’s stock exchange.

These price rises won’t just affect the next two Easters but Christmas as well with prices set to affect those looking for festive treats later this year.

The decision by Lindt to increase their prices comes just days after it was announced that the Lindt & Sprüngli Group which owns Lindt, saw a rise in sales of profits of more than 10 percent.

TR Business reported that the company’s Peter Zehnder, who heads up their travel retail department, said: “With consumer demand for premium chocolate continuing to prevail, we are well positioned to meet the different needs of travellers. We are committed to growing the premium confectionery segment in 2024 and beyond.

“We are looking forward to another strong year filled with strategic launches and activations that captivate travellers and enchant the world with chocolate.”

In a statement, the company said: “In an uncertain economic and political situation, Lindt & Sprüngli is very confident that the Group will be able to pursue its successful strategy and is convinced that the long-term trend towards premium products will continue.”