After a strong start to the year, Lindt said in a new statement the COVID-19 virus started hitting sales at the beginning of March, particularly in travel retail, the group’s own store network, food service and the grocery sector in certain markets.
The company’s famous gold foil-wrapped Easter bunnies will be available online during the holiday season, noting that e-commerce, home delivery and pick-up services at some stores were gaining importance.
"While the extent and duration of the situation are still uncertain, the Group’s growth and financial outlook 2020 is no longer valid," a company spokesperson said.
Lindt also confirmed it wanted to grow organic sales by 5-7% in the mid- to long-term and also maintained its dividend for 2019, including a special dividend proposed for its anniversary.