Lindt boss gets sweet tooth for Godiva

In August, Campbell Soup said it is "exploring strategic alternativies" for the Godiva Chocolate business because it does not fit in with its focus on simple meals and healthier options.

Swiss based Lindt said earlier this year that sales were strong in the competitive North American market, with full year sales exceeding $500m (€375m) in the region.

"It is my duty towards the shareholders to analyse every potential acquisition," Tanner told FTD.

"It is a question of whether an acquisition would bring Lindt closer to its aim of becoming an even bigger global producer of premium chocolate.

We have to do this in the case of Godiva as well.

Then we will make a decision."

Lindt said last month that it plans to increase its product prices in the wake of the rising cost of raw materials.

However, in the six months to June 30, the company said its focus on the premier chocolate market and the increasing demand for luxury products has helped sales increase 15.7 per cent to CHF1.1bn (€0.7bn).

An acquisition such as Godiva would therefore complement its focus on the premier chocolate market.

Tanner agreed with this and told FTD that American consumers particularly look for products with quality as well as Swiss origin.

Campbell's said the Godiva Chocolatier is one of the world's most recognised luxury brands with annual sales of around $500m. "We expect that the trend towards high-end products, especially those touting wellness benefits, will be the life force in this market for the next several years," said Tatjana Meerman, publisher of a recent Packaged Facts report on the U.S. chocolate market.

Overall chocolate sales are predicted to reach $18bn (€13.2bn) by 2011, up from $16bn (€11.7bn) in 2006, she said, helped by the market share for premium chocolate escalating from 13 per cent of the total market in 2002 to nearly 17 per cent in 2006.

By 2011, premium chocolate will account for 25 per cent of the market, generating $4.5bn (€3.3bn) in sales, she added.