175 years Lindt & Sprüngli

LINDT&SPRÜNGLI 26 ing our major goal in our anniversary year and that 100% of the cocoa beans we process are traceable and externally verified. This achievement of objectives is an enormous moti- vation for us to continue to make further great efforts in the area of sustainability and to set ourselves new ambitious goals. Innovation enjoys a long-standing tradition at Lindt&Sprüngli and the brand still boasts a particularly high level of innovation today. As the CEO, how involved are you in this process? The work of our marketing experts in our subsidiaries is the most important factor in the development of innovations. Their task is to detect and record market trends and consumer preferences in a structured way, assess the mar- ket potential of product ideas, and prioritize and define concepts. It is only at this point that the Master Chocolatiers come into the picture and develop the new products based on specifications. I personally get involved from the beginning, when ideas are presented and priorities are set in the annual marketing meetings of all companies. This of course is where I can also bring in my ideas, visions and preferences. Exchanging openly about trends, competitor strategies, and product ideas is extremely important and is one of the bases for our success. The Lindt&Sprüngli range now has over 2,500 products. How many of the products have you tried yourself? After 25 years and some 6,000 days at work, I have had enough time to sample the entire range. But I have to admit that I have only managed to taste a couple of hundred products and I am therefore always discovering a new favorite creation. And finally, one more question about the anniversary year: What are your hopes for Lindt&Sprüngli for the next 175 years? Lindt&Sprüngli should keep up its ability to adapt to the constantly changing economic and social environment, which is something it has proven over the past 175 years. This re- quires maintaining the most stringent quality standards and innovative power, and in par­ ticular safeguarding the existing corporate culture. This is essential if we are to succeed in recruiting and motivating our most important asset – the best employees – for the next 175 years.