Foundations
What is the Difference between Lindt Home of Chocolate and Lindt & Sprüngli? What is the Lindt Chocolate Competence Foundation?
The Lindt Chocolate Competence Foundation, founded in 2013, aims to maintain, cultivate and promote Switzerland’s long-term reputation as a chocolate business location and to further strengthen Swiss chocolate competence. Among other things, the Foundation is committed to fostering skills and innovation throughout the entire industry, providing further training for specialists, and supporting young professionals with state-of-the-art facilities. The Foundation’s main project is the opening of the Lindt Home of Chocolate, a chocolate museum for the general public as an interactive information platform focusing on all aspects of the chocolate industry.The museum is not a company museum or Lindt museum, but touches on all parts of the chocolate history, current facts about chocolate and the entire industry. Other chocolate manufacturers are also part of the museum. In addition to the museum, which is operated by the Lindt Chocolate Competence Foundation, the Lindt Home of Chocolate has a café, chocolateria and shop; these spaces are leased to and operated by the Swiss subsidiary of Lindt & Sprüngli.
What is the Lindt Cocoa Foundation?
The Lindt Cocoa Foundation was founded in 2013 and has the declared purpose of working to achieve social and environmental sustainability in the cultivation, production and processing of cocoa and other raw materials used in chocolate production. The Lindt Cocoa Foundation supplements the already existing endeavors of the Lindt & Sprüngli Group designed to improve the living and working conditions of farmers in the countries of origin of the raw materials, and co-funds certain elements within the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program. Its projects ensure that raw material procurement is done in a way which works more effectively towards sustainable agricultural development.
Cocoa and the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program
What does bean to bar mean?
Lindt & Sprüngli is one of the few chocolate manufacturers adopting a bean to bar approach, which allows us to oversee the entire production process.It all starts with purchasing cocoa beans through our own sustainability program, the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program, continues with producing the cocoa mass in our own production facilities, and extends to processing the chocolate and ultimately marketing and distributing the quality products. The cocoa used is decisive for the quality and taste of the chocolate, which is why Lindt & Sprüngli has such high standards for raw materials used and processing start as early as with the cocoa. An exception is our subsidiary Russell Stover which buys chocolate and chocolate products.Visit this page From Bean to Bar to find out more about the steps in Lindt & Sprüngli’s chocolate production.
Where does Lindt & Sprüngli stand with regards to sustainable cocoa sourcing and what are the commitments made?
Our main cocoa commitment: We aim to source 100% of cocoa products – beans, butter, powder, and chocolate mass – through the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program or other sustainability programs by 2025.An important milestone was already reached: Since 2020, 100% of our cocoa beans have been sourced through the Farming Program. In 2023, a total of 68.2% of cocoa bean equivalents (beans, butter, powder, and chocolate mass) were sourced through our Farming Program.See all of Lindt & Sprüngli's commitments in regard to sustainability here.
What does Lindt & Sprüngli do regarding sustainable sourcing of cocoa beans? What is the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program and its scope?
The Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program was launched in 2008 in Ghana. We have since expanded it to all six of our cocoa bean sourcing origins: Ghana, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, and Peru. With the extension of the Program to cocoa butter in 2021, the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program also includes the sourcing origin Côte d’Ivoire. In 2022, the Program was further expanded to cocoa powder. By 2025, we aim to source all cocoa products (beans, butter, powder, and chocolate mass) through our Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program or other sustainability programs.Through the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program, we aim to contribute to creating decent and resilient livelihoods for cocoa farmers and their families and to encourage more sustainable farming practices. Find out more about this in our latest Sustainability report.In 2023, we invested almost CHF 30 million in cocoa sustainability, of which CHF 26.8 million was paid to cocoa suppliers for operating cocoa sustainability programs, mainly our Farming Program.
Where can I find more information about the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program?
Cocoa is our most important raw material. Even though we do not contract with cocoa farmers directly, and work through suppliers, we voluntarily go beyond expectations by supporting farmers and their communities through our own sustainability program for cocoa – the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program. Through the Farming Program, we aim to create decent and resilient livelihoods for cocoa farmers and their families and to encourage more sustainable farming practices. More information regarding the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program can be found here.
Does Lindt & Sprüngli communicate the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program logo on all its products?
We print the logo of the Farming Program including a link to this website on many of our products (except white chocolate products) and are integrating this continuously. This allows interested consumers to learn more about our Program and our efforts aimed at increasing the resilience of farming households.
Where does Lindt & Sprüngli source its cocoa from?
Cocoa is the heart of our chocolates. Knowing which of the many different origins of cocoa will best contribute to the distinctive taste of a product is a skill that we have perfected over time. A fundamental distinction is made between consumer and fine flavor cocoa. Consumer cocoa is cocoa with a robust flavor. It accounts for the largest share (90-95%) of total global cocoa production and is farmed mainly in West Africa. Lindt & Sprüngli uses Forastero beans (consumer cocoa), exclusively from Ghana. The remaining 5-10% of worldwide cocoa harvests are fine flavor cocoa. Fine flavor cocoa is a high-quality cocoa with nuanced, fine aroma. It is mainly farmed in Latin America and the Caribbean. Lindt & Sprüngli uses fine flavor cocoa beans (Criollo and Trinitario) from Ecuador, Madagascar, Dominican Republic, Papua New Guinea and Peru.The Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program is in place in all countries we source cocoa beans from.Since 2020, 100% of our cocoa beans have been sourced through our Farming Program.
Is the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program active in all countries from which Lindt & Sprüngli sources cocoa?
Yes, the Farming Program is active in seven origin counties, which include Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Madagascar, and Papua New Guinea.
Which Lindt & Sprüngli brands use cocoa sourced through the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program?
Currently, the following Lindt & Sprüngli brands use cocoa sourced through our sustainability program, the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program: Lindt, Caffarel, Ghirardelli, Küfferle and Hofbauer.
Why does Lindt & Sprüngli focus on traceability?
Since the introduction of our Farming Program in 2008, physical traceability of cocoa has been the starting point of our responsible cocoa supply chain. Traceability is a key principle of our cocoa sourcing strategy. We aim to achieve first mile traceability for 100% of cocoa products – beans, butter, powder, and chocolate mass – by 2025. Read more on our traceability approach on our Farming Program website here
Does Lindt & Sprüngli focus on external verification?
Our Farming Program builds on the principle of continuous improvement.Our monitoring and evaluation approach is based on multiple complementary elements including monitoring of outputs, a review of Program quality and verification of Program implementation, and periodic impact assessments. We assess these elements related to both the farm and implementation partner, and carry out checks to verify traceability documents.As defined in our Farming Program Verification Guidance, monitoring begins with systematic annual internal monitoring of the cocoa farmers to assess their compliance with Farming Program requirements and evaluate their progress. Results from this monitoring differ between origin and supplier, and challenges are addressed for each supply chain individually.Our cocoa sourcing under our Farming Program and other sustainability programs is subject to external verification annually by an independent third party.For cocoa beans, external verification is conducted by the Earthworm Foundation. The methodology also includes direct engagement of the Earthworm Foundation with farmers through individual meetings and focus-group discussions to gather feedback on the support provided as part of the Program. Results from the annual assessments are transformed into an annual action plan with measures for improvement identified at supplier level. Since 2020, 100% of our cocoa beans have been sourced through the Farming Program and we are working towards our goal, to source all cocoa products (beans, butter, powder, and chocolate mass) through the Farming Program or other sustainability programs by 2025.For cocoa butter, we are currently in the process of transitioning different sustainability programs to Rainforest Alliance certification. Over the coming years, we aim to strengthen our monitoring and evaluation approach to improve transparency in our reporting and provide a better understanding of our achievements and challenges.
How does the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program measure its progress and impact?
Our Farming Program builds on the principle of continuous improvement. Our monitoring and evaluation approach is based on multiple complementary elements including monitoring of outputs, a review of Program quality and verification of Program implementation, and periodic impact assessments. We assess these elements related to both the farm and implementation partner, and carry out checks to verify traceability documents.We publish our progress annually. All of our cocoa sourcing under our Farming Program and other sustainability programs is subject to external verification annually by an independent third-party. For cocoa beans, external verification is conducted by the Earthworm Foundation. For cocoa butter, we are currently in the process of transitioning different sustainability programs to Rainforest Alliance certification. Where long-term agreements are in place and our Program is being implemented, certification is not intended to replace our Program, but serves as a basis and external verification scheme.
To which extent is Lindt & Sprüngli engaged in improving conditions for farmers in cocoa producing countries?
The cocoa sector faces a multitude of challenges related to human rights and environmental protection, such as child labor, deforestation, and persistent low incomes and poverty among cocoa farmers. We are committed to advancing effective solutions and strengthening our own contributions to address these issues and by partnering with relevant stakeholders.Through the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program, we aim to create decent and resilient livelihoods for cocoa farmers and their families and to encourage more sustainable farming practices. We take a holistic approach to increasing farming household incomes. We are addressing this through a combination of measures, with the aim of improving the income situation overall, being aware that poverty among cocoa households is one of the underlying root causes of the cocoa sector’s sustainability challenges. Such measures include, for example, increasing cocoa productivity and profitability, cash and in-kind premiums for farmers, income diversification, access to finance, community development and infrastructure investments, and women’s empowerment.In 2023, we invested approximately CHF 30 million in cocoa sustainability programs and 131’000 farmers in seven origin countries participate in the Farming Program.
What is the position of Lindt & Sprüngli on the Living Income Differential (LID) introduced by the governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana?
We support the efforts of the governments in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to improve livelihoods of cocoa farmers with a Living Income Differential (LID) of USD 400 per ton. We have purchased our cocoa from Ghana and Côte d’ Ivoire with LID pricing since its introduction and will continue to do so. We recognize that the price of cocoa is an important element to a sustainable cocoa sector. The price of cocoa that we pay is determined by the market price.In addition to paying the market price and the LID, Lindt & Sprüngli invests in its own cocoa sustainability program, the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program. Through our suppliers, we provide cash or in-kind premiums to farmers in the Program as part of our cocoa sustainability investments. In 2023, we invested more than CHF 30 million in cocoa sustainability, of which CHF 26.8 million was paid to cocoa suppliers for operating cocoa sustainability programs.
Other Ingredients
Does Lindt & Sprüngli offer organic chocolate products?
No, we do not offer organic chocolates in our product range. However, we encourage more sustainable farming practices for the production of our raw materials as much as possible.
Does Lindt & Sprüngli use palm oil when producing chocolate?
Yes, palm oil, palm kernel oil, and their fractions are used in limited amounts in certain fillings of our chocolate. Lindt & Sprüngli buys less than 0.01% of the global palm oil harvest. While these products are important for their melting properties and for providing a neutral flavor, their production under uncontrolled conditions may be associated with environmental and social sustainability issues, including deforestation and conversion of peatlands, biodiversity loss, exploitation of workers, and adverse effects on local communities and indigenous peoples.However, palm oil can be produced responsibly when planted in suitable areas and with appropriate consideration for the environment and communities. Palm oil is a high-yielding vegetable oil. In comparison to soybean, rapeseed, and sunflower, palm oil needs significantly less land to produce the same volume. We recognize that banning and substituting palm oil with other crops would require more land to be dedicated to vegetable oil production globally, likely at the expense of natural forest land. We believe that the best way to protect and restore the rainforest and threatened habitats is to undertake actions for a more sustainable palm oil industry. For these reasons, Lindt & Sprüngli only purchase palm oil certified according to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) sustainability standard, and always declare palm oil use on our product packaging.Since 2015, Lindt & Sprüngli has sourced 100% of the palm oil, palm kernel oil, and their fractions with RSPO certification and, for all our products produced in Europe, 100% under the “Segregated” traceability model. RSPO’s Segregated traceability level means that certified palm oil is kept separate from conventional palm oil throughout the supply chain. Our US subsidiaries are an exception, where a mix of “Segregated” and “Mass Balance” palm oil, palm kernel oil, and their fractions is used but kept separate in bookkeeping. Lindt & Sprüngli strives to achieve full physical traceability in our palm oil supply chain, and we encourage our commercial partners to contribute to this goal. For detailed information, please see our latest Annual Communication of Progress to the RSPO.
Where do the hazelnuts for Lindt & Sprüngli products come from?
Hazelnuts are a key raw material for Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate products. We source them from Italy and Türkiye. The supply chain in the Turkish Black Sea region, where approximately 70% of the world’s hazelnut harvest originates, has high risks related to labor conditions such as the health and safety of farm workers, child labor, and seasonal workers’ working and accommodation conditions. Therefore, we collaborate closely with our Turkish suppliers to implement programs to improve the economic, agricultural, social, and environmental sustainability of hazelnut sourcing. The sustainability programs of our suppliers cover different pillars considered most relevant to the Turkish hazelnut specifics they encompass:1.Engagement with communities on social issues 2.Engagement of farmers on environmental topics 3.Engagement of farmers on best practices to increase their revenues
Does Lindt & Sprüngli use ingredients that are genetically modified?
Lindt & Sprüngli is not involved in any research or development associated with genetically modified foods. None of the Lindt, Caffarel, Küfferle, Hofbauer, or Ghirardelli brand products are produced with genetically modified organisms (GMO) ingredients. We will continue this practice as long as non-GMO raw materials are available. Regular tests are performed to monitor these products and ensure compliance with relevant EU and Swiss regulations. Certain flavored sauces of Ghiradelli include GMO ingredients. Russell Stover is currently not planning to switch to non-GMO products.
Are there trans fats or hydrogenated oils in Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate?
Lindt & Sprüngli uses pure cocoa butter as the only vegetable fat to produce our solid chocolates. Fillings may contain other vegetable fats. Milk fat is used in milk chocolate recipes or selected fillings. In this context we would like to point out that none of our products contains hydrogenated oils. For detailed information, it is always best to consult the specific nutritional labelling of the individual product you are interested in.
Packaging
Is Lindt & Sprüngli committed to reducing its use of plastic? Does Lindt & Sprüngli have corresponding goals? Will Lindt & Sprüngli increase the percentage of recyclable materials in its packaging?
Lindt & Sprüngli is working on numerous packaging initiatives towards five targets which consider impacts along the life cycle of a package, from raw material sourcing to designing for recycling or reuse. For example, we aim to source 100% of our pulp- and paper-based packaging from a certified sustainable supply chainby 2025 and to design over 90% of packaging to be recyclable by 2025. In addition to innovative packaging solutions that are being implemented on an ongoing basis, we are also proactively challenging our product portfolio to reduce the use of plastic and to find alternatives to non-recyclable composite materials and hard-to-recycle plastic wrappers and trays. Chocolate is a delicate product that must be optimally protected from environmental influences. Therefore, sustainability criteria, food safety and quality specifications must always be taken into account when new packaging solutions are developed.In 2023 Lindt & Sprüngli increased the share of recyclable packaging from 88.3% to 89.7%. . We implemented local projects in several subsidiaries, mostly by gradually phasing out non-recyclable plastics. Find more information concerning our packaging initiatives and progress in our latest Sustainability Report .
Child Labor
What is the position of Lindt & Sprüngli on child labor and what does the company do to prevent it in its supply chain?
Lindt & Sprüngli strongly condemns all forms of child labor. At Lindt & Sprüngli, tackling child labor is a priority and we are firmly committed to avoiding it whenever possible. Child labor in cocoa is a systemic issue rooted in poverty, lack of awareness, a shortage of adult labor, and poor infrastructure such as an absence of educational facilities in cocoa-producing villages. We are aware that we do not have all the answers on how to prevent abuses of children’s rights in our supply chains. We are however fully engaged in working to continuously enhance the effectiveness of our systems in order to address this risk in our cocoa supply chain and beyond.We are addressing this through a combination of measures, with the aim of improving the income situation overall, recognizing that poverty among cocoa households is one of the underlying root causes of the cocoa sector’s sustainability challenges including child labor. We are convinced that addressing child labor in the cocoa sector effectively starts with having clearly defined processes and good management systems in place. We therefore developed a CLMRS Guidance Document for suppliers implementing the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program. The document was launched in 2021 and describes more specifically our expectations of, and proposed approach to, the prevention, monitoring, and remediation of child labor. Since the start of the implementation in 2022, supplier awareness has been increased through training and capacity building of field staff. Furthermore, the risk assessment required as part of the CLMRS enabled unannounced visits to target high-risk households. As a result, we have observed better identification of child labor risks and respective remediation actions. This demonstrates the enhanced effectiveness of the system adopted by suppliers. The more efficient and effective our identification system, the better we can work with suppliers on remediation and prevention.To strengthen our collective action on child labor prevention, we joined the Child Learning and Education Facility (CLEF), a partnership between the Ivorian government, cocoa and chocolate industry companies, and philanthropic partners aiming to tackle the root causes of child labor and improve the quality of education through a systemic approach in Côte d’Ivoire. Joining CLEF includes a financial commitment to invest 1.25 million CHF into the initiative.For more information, see our latest Sustainability Report .
Environment
What is Lindt & Sprüngli doing against deforestation?
Cocoa cultivation has a high risk of biodiversity loss through deforestation or harmful farming practices. Conserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems is one of the Farming Program’s main objectives.Our aim is for no deforestation in cocoa with a target date of December 31, 2025, and to work towards the elimination of deforestation in our other key deforestation linked supply chains (palm oil, soy, and paper and pulp-based packaging). To address deforestation in our Farming Program, we have defined three core intervention areas in our Cocoa No-Deforestation & Agroforestry Action Plan. These include activities to address deforestation in the supply chain, promote agroforestry systems for cocoa, and support community forest conservation and restoration. The primary objectives of our Action Plan for cocoa include: – No cocoa sourcing from protected areas as per local laws – No expansion of land for cocoa cultivation into areas defined by the High Carbon Stock (HCS) Approach or equivalent – Agroforestry systems for cocoa production– Supporting community forest protection and restoration Additionally, we support agroforestry systems for cocoa and forest conservation and restoration. Find further information in our latest
Are pesticides used in Lindt & Sprüngli’s supply chain?
Lindt & Sprüngli monitors its raw materials through extensive laboratory testing of cocoa beans to detect possible residues of more than 570 different types of pesticides. Through the training provided as part of the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program, we encourage more sustainable farming practices that reduce the need for pesticides in cocoa production and control pests using natural methods. Additionally, farmers are educated about the correct application of inputs. As part of our cocoa sustainability investments, farmers receive solely organic inputs for their cocoa plantations.
What is Lindt & Sprüngli doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
Lindt & Sprüngli has approved near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The SBTi has verified Lindt & Sprüngli’s net-zero science-based target by 2050. Based on the SBTi methodology, we have set targets for our direct and indirect emissions (Scope 1 and 2) as well as emissions from the upstream and downstream value chain (Scope 3), including parts of the value chain that relate to Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG). The targets are focused on achieving an absolute reduction in emissions by 2030 and 2050. In line with SBTi criteria, Lindt & Sprüngli will prioritize decarbonization efforts and neutralize all residual emissions to reach the net-zero goal. Further details on our targets can be found in our high-level Roadmap to net-zero
Certification
Are Lindt & Sprüngli chocolates Fairtrade certified?
Lindt & Sprüngli is one of the few chocolate manufacturers which produces its own cocoa mass from the cocoa beans we source. This allows us to oversee the entire production process – from the selection and sourcing of cocoa beans to the production of cocoa mass (also called cocoa liquor) and the finished product - from bean to bar.
Do Lindt & Sprüngli chocolates have external certifications?
Based on a comprehensive risk assessment, we defined twelve priority materials we want to source or start sourcing responsibly by 2025. Our Responsible Sourcing Roadmap includes almonds, cocoa, coconut oil, coffee, dairy, eggs (own production), Turkish hazelnuts, palm oil, pulp- and paper-based packaging materials, soy lecithin, raw sugar (cane and beet), and vanilla.Over the past few years, we have made significant progress on advancing the sustainability of our supply chain. We have introduced responsible sourcing standards for eight materials, including hazelnuts, eggs, soy lecithin and palm oil/palm kernel oil. We purchase our palm oil RSPO-certified; for soy, we rely on the ProTerra standard; and we have introduced other certifications, such as Rainforest Alliance for vanilla or FSC for our packaging. In 2020, we reached our milestone target of sourcing 100% of our cocoa beans through the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program or other sustainability programs. We will define a responsible sourcing approach for the remaining materials, allowing us to gradually reach our overall responsible sourcing goal by 2025.While sustainability programs and third-party sustainability certifications represent enhanced approaches compared to conventional material sourcing, we recognize that further efforts are needed from various stakeholders to resolve the underlying causes of the many social and environmental topics of potential concern. For cocoa, our most important raw material, we have chosen to operate our own program, but we also source the first volumes of our cocoa through Rainforest Alliance certification. Lindt & Sprüngli shares the goals of the industry, and governmental and non-governmental organizations (such as World Cocoa Foundation, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, etc.) for sustainable cocoa production. Where appropriate and possible, we collaborate with them as partners. In 2023 for example, we sourced the first volumes of Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa powder. Chocolate mass and cocoa powder will be sourced with a minimum of Rainforest Alliance “mass balance” certification, as will all cocoa butter not covered by the Farming Program. Once all our subsidiaries hold the Rainforest Alliance certification, we will switch to this new minimum requirement. However, where long-term agreements are in place and our Program is being implemented, certification is not intended to replace our Program, but serves as a basis and external verification scheme.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lindt & Sprüngli fund, conduct, or commission any tests on animals?
No. Lindt & Sprüngli does not fund, conduct or commission any animal experiments.
Are Lindt & Sprüngli products halal?
To date, none of our production sites are halal certified and, therefore, we do not use any halal labels on our packaging. However, some of our products are made without animal products and without alcohol, such as our Lindt EXCELLENCE range of 70%, 70% mild, 85%, 85% mild, 90% and 99% cacao chocolate bars, which are also suitable for a vegan lifestyle.
Are Lindt & Sprüngli products kosher?
To date, we do not have a globally valid kosher certificate, but certain products manufactured by Lindt & Sprüngli USA that are available in the US and Israeli market are certified as milk kosher. However, some of our products are made without animal products and without alcohol, such as our Lindt EXCELLENCE range with 70%, 70% mild, 85%, 85% mild, 90% and 99% cacao chocolate bars, which are also suitable for a vegan lifestyle.
What is the best way to store my chocolate?
Store your chocolate tightly wrapped and away from strong odors in a cool, dark and dry place at a temperature of 14° to 20° Celsius / 57° to 68° Fahrenheit, and 40 – 65% Relative Humidity. When stored properly, our products will retain their freshness for many months. Refrigerators are environments with very high humidity, which is not suitable for chocolate due to the high moisture, which can cause sugar bloom. If you decide to store our chocolate in a refrigerator, it is best to put the chocolate in an airtight container and place it in the lower part of the refrigerator. Before unpacking, slowly bring the chocolate to room temperature a few hours before eating.
How should Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate be enjoyed? What is the proper way to enjoy premium chocolate?
Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate should be enjoyed slowly and is best served at room temperature (18 to 20° Celsius / 64° to 68° Fahrenheit) to ensure consistency and maintain product integrity.Lindt & Sprüngli’s “Five Senses” tasting process is similar to that a sommelier would use: Appearance, smell, feel and taste. Tasting fine chocolate, just like wine or coffee, is truly an experience to be enjoyed and appreciated.
