UPDATE 1 — Lindt cuts 2026 growth forecast as weak demand, heatwave weigh on sales

(Adds medium term targets, 2026 operating margin, CEO comment in paragraphs 3-5) Sept 29 (Reuters) — Lindt & Spruengli cut its full-year organic growth forecast on Tuesday, citing subdued consumer sentiment, rising price sensitivity and soft demand amid a European heatwave that hurt chocolate consumption. The Swiss chocolatier now expects organic sales growth of 0% to 2% in 2026, versus its previous guidance of 4% to 6%. "Necessary price increases due to historically high cocoa prices in recent years, and subdued consumer sentiment led to weaker-than-expected order volumes in certain European markets, particularly in seasonal businesses," CEO Adalbert Lechner said in a statement. However, Lindt maintained its guidance for a 20-40 basis point improvement in operating profit margin this year and reiterated its medium-term targets of 6%-8% organic sales growth and annual earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margin improvement of 20-40 basis points from 2028 onwards. Lechner added that he expected the company's adjusted pricing strategy, higher brand investments, innovations and cost-saving measures to improve demand and drive positive volume growth in 2027. (Reporting by Amir.