The Lindt story
Lindt & Sprüngli traces its roots to 1845, when David Sprüngli and his son opened a confectionery shop in Zurich. In 1879 Rodolphe Lindt, in Bern, invented the conching machine, which made chocolate smooth and melting. Sprüngli bought Lindt's company and recipes in 1899, creating Lindt & Sprüngli.
What makes Lindt powerful
Lindt is the global reference for premium Swiss chocolate. The Lindor truffle, the Gold Bunny and the Excellence range are known worldwide. Lindt's master chocolatiers and its "from bean to bar" approach support its premium position. The company also owns Ghirardelli and Russell Stover in the United States.
Lindt today
Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG is listed in Switzerland and based in Kilchberg, where the Lindt Home of Chocolate museum opened in 2020. Dieter Weisskopf leads the company as interim chief executive. Through its Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program the company works to make cocoa sourcing traceable.
What comes next for Lindt
Lindt's main challenge is managing high cocoa prices while keeping growth strong. Its premium brand gives it room to pass on some costs.
Why Lindt ranks #38
Brand Positioning & Recall (76.0) and Consumer Trust & Sentiment (74.0) carry Lindt's Power Score of 71.96.
Sustainability, Governance & ESG at 64.0. What would move it: Published, measurable sustainability targets, stronger governance disclosure and third-party ESG ratings.
Pillar profile
Versus its nearest rivals
17 Food & Beverage brands are in the Europe 100. Lindt is #4 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Lindt in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Lindt ranks #38 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 71.96 out of 100.
When was Lindt founded and who founded it?
Lindt was founded in 1845. Founder(s): David Sprüngli; Rodolphe Lindt (1879).
What is Lindt's weakest area?
In the 2026 assessment, Lindt's lowest pillar is Sustainability, Governance & ESG at 64.0 out of 100.
Who leads Lindt today?
Dieter Weisskopf, interim CEO (since October 2026). The brand is owned by Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG.
Where is Lindt headquartered?
Lindt is based in Kilchberg, Switzerland. Its country of origin is Switzerland.
What is Lindt's revenue?
CHF 5.92bn (FY2025, +12.4% organic), Lindt & Sprüngli, according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Lindt?
Rodolphe Lindt invented the conching process in 1879, which made chocolate smooth and melting.
Key facts
| Brand | Lindt |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG |
| Headquarters | Kilchberg, Switzerland |
| Founded | 1845 |
| Founder(s) | David Sprüngli; Rodolphe Lindt (1879) |
| Leadership | Dieter Weisskopf, interim CEO (since October 2026) |
| Latest revenue | CHF 5.92bn (FY2025, +12.4% organic), Lindt & Sprüngli Source |
| Sector | Food & Beverage |
| Country of origin | Switzerland |
| Signature fact | Rodolphe Lindt invented the conching process in 1879, which made chocolate smooth and melting. |
| Official website | lindt.com |
Lindt is ranked #38 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 71.96).