DKSH and Lindt & Sprüngli expand their successful partnership to Singapore Freitag, 12. April 2013 - 07:12

Singapore, April 12, 2013 – DKSH Business Unit Consumer Goods, Asia’s leading Market Expansion Services specialist for fast moving consumer goods, has recently expanded its long-term partnership with Lindt & Sprüngli to Singapore, where DKSH will provide marketing, sales, merchandising, distribution, logistics, and back office services to support Lindt's continued growth in this strategically important market in Asia. DKSH’s collaboration with Lindt & Sprüngli started in Hong Kong more than five decades ago and was over the years expanded to China and New Zealand. Lindt & Sprüngli is recognized as a leader in the market for premium quality chocolate, offering a large selection of products in over 100 countries around the world. During more than 160 years of Lindt & Sprüngli's existence, it has become known as one of the most innovative and creative companies making premium chocolate, with six production sites in Europe, two in the US and distribution and sales companies on four continents. Thomas Meier, Managing Director Asia Pacific of Lindt & Sprüngli, said: “For over 50 years we have successfully partnered with DKSH in Hong Kong to make Lindt the leading premium chocolate brand in this market. Pairing the expertise of our two companies once again for the Singapore market, will fuel the growth of the Lindt business in the Lion City and ultimately delighting Singaporean chocolate lovers with even more of the finest Lindt creations.” Dr. Joerg Wolle, President & CEO, DKSH Group, commented: “While mature markets like the US or Europe are still facing challenges, companies continue to turn to Asia for growth opportunities. Coupled with the rising Asian middle classes, end consumers are becoming wealthier, have more disposable income and are becoming more discerning in their choice of food. They are today willing to pay for higher-quality and more variety. After partnering with Lindt & Sprüngli in Hong Kong, China and New Zealand for a number of years, DKSH is pleased to bring its excellent Swiss premium chocolate to consumers in Singapore.” Somboon Prasitjutrakul, Head Business Unit Consumer Goods at DKSH, added, “DKSH Consumer Goods is an established player in the snacks and confectionery categories in Singapore, and with this partnership, we look to further expand DKSH’s leading position in this market. We look forward to growing the Singaporean confectionery business with Lindt & Sprüngli as a new client over the coming years.” This new partnership will further strengthen DKSH’s market position in Singapore while contributing incrementally to the Group’s overall earnings and profitability over time.

About Lindt & Sprüngli Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG is the worldwide leader in the premium chocolate segment and was founded more than 165 years ago in Zurich, Switzerland. Lindt & Sprüngli quality chocolate is manufactured in eight own production facilities in Europe and the US and is sold by 18 own subsidiaries as well as a widespread network of independent distributors around the world. The Lindt & Sprüngli Group employs more than 8,000 people and achieved sales of around CHF 2.7 billion in 2012.

About DKSH DKSH is the leading Market Expansion Services provider with a focus on Asia. As the term “Market Expansion Services” suggests, DKSH helps other companies and brands to grow their business in new or existing markets. Publicly listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange since March 2012, DKSH is a global company headquartered in Zurich. With 680 business locations in 35 countries – 660 of them in Asia – and 25,900 specialized staff, DKSH generated net sales of CHF 8.8 billion in 2012.

DKSH’s Business Unit Consumer Goodsis Asia’s leading Market Expansion Services provider with a focus on fast moving consumer goods; food services and hotel supplies; and hair and skin cosmetics. For international and local companies we offer comprehensive Market Expansion Services to increase their brand awareness and value as well as their market share. Our expertise and broad local knowledge allow us to feel the market’s pulse and respond quickly to the constantly changing trends in the areas of sourcing, marketing, logistics and after-sales-services.