Chocolate company Lindt & Sprüngli AG has increased yearly sales by 11.4% during 2005 to CHF2.247bn (US$1.71bn), reporting substantial progress in every product category.


The group’s net income rose by 15.9% compared to 2004, and reached CHF172.7m. Lindt established two new subsidiaries in Mexico and Sweden during 2005 as part of its aim to serve a growing number of important markets.


Its board of directors is proposing the payment of a dividend of CHF225 per share at a general meeting on 20 April 2006, an increase of 25% compared to the previous year.


According to the Swiss company, sales growth exceeded that of the overall chocolate market and led to gains in market shares.