Lindt Shifting Chocolate Bunnies to the US to Dodge Tariffs

Lindt & Sprüngli’s approach to North American supply continues to be cautious. However, the company is taking some decisive steps in the U.S. There remains a potential expansion of production at its Stratham, New Hampshire, plant. It will be specifically for gold-wrapped Easter chocolate bunnies and other hollow chocolate figures. The plan involves roughly US$10 million in investment to install new production lines and expand capacity. The rationale is to produce these chocolate bunnies domestically. It will help in avoiding the 15% U.S. tariff on EU imports and protect against any further trade retaliation. It also allows Lindt to respond faster to seasonal spikes, particularly around Easter. Moreover, it will reduce dependence on transatlantic shipping, which has become increasingly costly and uncertain with tariffs in play.

Canada Supply Maintained Through Pre-Stocking

For Canada, the situation remains in a holding pattern. Lindt has not yet committed to a permanent shift of Canadian volumes from its Boston facility to European plants. Instead, the company is keeping Canadian warehouses well-stocked with U.S.-made chocolate to maintain continuity if a Europe-only supply pivot becomes necessary. This pre-stocking is a smart buffer. It ensures chocolate bunnies and other Swiss chocolate products remain available even as the 39% U.S. tariff on Swiss imports takes effect. Lindt’s strategy here balances operational flexibility with risk management. It will give the company time to evaluate whether a hybrid approach of mixing U.S. and European supply makes more sense once the post-August 1 tariff landscape becomes clearer.

Long-Term chocolate bunnies Production Plans Underway

The U.S. bunny production plan is part of a wider, multi-year review of domestic manufacturing capabilities. Beyond seasonal hollow figures, this could eventually support other product lines. These Swiss chocolates include Ghirardelli chocolates and strengthen North American operations. Planning and setting up the new equipment will continue through the end of 2025. The trial production is expected in early 2026. Producing high-profile items like Easter chocolate bunnies in the U.S. helps Lindt avoid immediate tariff costs. It also gives the company more flexibility in how it runs operations. Production closer to key markets can respond faster to changes in demand. It will help in managing shipping delays more easily and adjust to new trade rules. In a global market that’s increasingly unpredictable, having this kind of agility is becoming essential.

A Playbook For Other Companies Facing Tariffs

Looking at Lindt’s moves together shows a thoughtful way to handle trade pressures. Stocking up Canadian warehouses, thinking about moving Canadian supply from the U.S. to Europe, and investing in U.S. chocolate bunny production are all part of a clear, data-driven strategy. Lindt is reworking its supply chain to protect profits, maintain a strong brand, and make sure Swiss chocolate and chocolate bunnies are always available in North America. Steady Canadian supply and growing U.S. production work together. 

Other chocolate makers or companies could move some production closer to important markets, keep extra stock ready, or build supply chains that can switch easily between regions. Having options and planning helps avoid big cost increases and keeps products on store shelves even when trade rules change. They could look at moving some production closer to key markets. It will keep extra stock on hand or create flexible supply chains that let them switch between regions. It will have options ready that can help avoid big cost hits and keep products on shelves when trade rules change.