<p><br />In the US, Canada and Australia, the company said it experienced “above average development” particularly in the last six months, but European countries showed “negative consumer sentiment”, leading to smaller growth.<br /><br />Over the last year, the company said its sales were affected by the drop in airline passenger numbers, hurting duty-free sales. Lindt, which said it does not distribute its so-called “premium products” to certain chain-stores, reported it was also hit by the spread of heavy discounters.<br /><br />Looking ahead, Lindt & Sprungli said it expected “the challenging situation on the commodity markets to continue” and “subdued consumer sentiment” to remain. </p>.<p>A recovery in consumer markets was forecast for the second half of 2010. The company did not rule out a price hike for its chocolates, but said this would take place only under specific conditions it did not clarify. Annual results will be presented March 16.</p>
<p><br />In the US, Canada and Australia, the company said it experienced “above average development” particularly in the last six months, but European countries showed “negative consumer sentiment”, leading to smaller growth.<br /><br />Over the last year, the company said its sales were affected by the drop in airline passenger numbers, hurting duty-free sales. Lindt, which said it does not distribute its so-called “premium products” to certain chain-stores, reported it was also hit by the spread of heavy discounters.<br /><br />Looking ahead, Lindt & Sprungli said it expected “the challenging situation on the commodity markets to continue” and “subdued consumer sentiment” to remain. </p>.<p>A recovery in consumer markets was forecast for the second half of 2010. The company did not rule out a price hike for its chocolates, but said this would take place only under specific conditions it did not clarify. Annual results will be presented March 16.</p>