Seeing China as a key market for future growth, Swiss chocolate producer Lindt & Sprungli is stepping up efforts to invest in the country.

Michal Spiller, chief executive officer of Lindt & Sprungli Germany, with country responsibility for Austria, China and Japan, said: "China is one of our strongest-performing markets. Over the past five years, we grew by an average of 20 percent in the market every year.

"China is one of the world's most exciting and dynamic markets. Every time I visit, I am impressed by the energy, the speed of innovation and the sophistication of Chinese consumers. People here appreciate quality, authenticity and memorable experiences," Spiller added. "These are values that perfectly match what Lindt stands for. That is why we see China not simply as an important market, but as a long-term partner and an important part of our future growth plans."

Clare Ma, general manager of Lindt & Sprungli China, said:"We have found strong demand among Chinese consumers for chocolate gifting during traditional festivals, and this demand continues to grow. Starting in 2024, we began introducing limited-edition zodiac gift boxes for Chinese New Year.

"Creating gift boxes for the Chinese market means staying close to local preferences and telling Lindt's global story in a way that resonates with them. That is why embracing traditional culture and creating emotional connections will continue to be at the core of our localization efforts in China."