Dear reader,

I am proud to state that Lindt & Sprüngli is one of the few chocolate manufacturers in the world which has complete control over every step of its production and supply chain. This starts with the selection of the finest cocoa varieties from the best growing areas in the world and of other high quality raw and packaging materials, continues right on through the processing and refining of our cocoa beans and chocolate, and ends with the distribution of our elegantly packaged finished products. Moreover, in order to produce our premium products, in-house technologies are applied. It is this control over the entire production process which enables us to guarantee the highest quality standards. Furthermore, we assume responsibility by taking measures that contribute significantly to the protection and improvement of our workers’ welfare and livelihoods.

Given the complex historical, political and socio-economical background of the countries where our cocoa beans originate from, sustainable sourcing is clearly one of the most significant challenges we face in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility. In addition to its active involvement in industry-wide and supranational projects directed by international non-profit organisations, Lindt & Sprüngli has gone a step further by establishing an independent purchasing program. Since January 2009, our demand for West African cocoa beans has been met exclusively through the application of a new sourcing model in Ghana, which allows the traceability of each and every bag of cocoa beans back to the farmers’ villages. Furthermore, for every ton of cocoa purchased we make contributions to a foundation which supports projects to improve cocoa cultivation and infrastructure in the very regions we source our cocoa beans from. We are currently working to extend this original traceable purchasing concept to the Latin American growing areas where most of our fine flavour cocoa beans originate.

However, sustainability at Lindt & Sprüngli means much more than dedication to responsible sourcing and best-in-class processing. It also means a firm commitment to reduce CO₂ emissions and waste, as well as energy and water consumption, along the entire production chain.

As a fair employer, Lindt & Sprüngli assumes responsibility for its employees by offering them a healthy, safe and socially sustainable workplace. As a good corporate citizen and fair taxpayer, we are also committed to the communities where we live and work. Therefore, Lindt & Sprüngli supports various local initiatives and is continually creating attractive employment opportunities.

While responsible sourcing and production are of paramount importance, Lindt & Sprüngli is also considerate of food safety and health issues, as well as concerns about biodiversity and the preservation of the natural environment. The strict maintenance of quality and food safety is also vitally important to our business, as well as to our customers and consumers. Therefore, we are resolutely determined to stay at the forefront of technological developments in the field of quality assurance.

We have prepared this report to show our efforts and answer your questions concerning our commitment to sustainable, responsible and ethical business practices. Lindt & Sprüngli is aware that the vast area of Corporate Social Responsibility requires constant efforts to understand and actively approach the challenges ahead. With this in mind, we continuously strive to improve our contribution to a sustainable future, so that our consumers can fully trust and wholeheartedly indulge in Lindt & Sprüngli’s premium quality chocolate products.

Yours sincerely,

Ernst Tanner

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer