Chocolatier Lindt moving Easter bunnies to the United States to avoid tariffs
Lindt & Sprüngli, the renowned Swiss chocolate manufacturer, is set to invest up to $10 million to produce its iconic Easter chocolate bunnies and other seasonal hollow chocolate figures in the United States. This strategic move aims to avoid the 15% import tariffs on these products currently made in Germany and improve supply chain efficiency.
The investment will likely be linked to expanding capacity at Lindt's existing production facility in Stratham, New Hampshire, which is already undergoing expansion and automation investments to increase productivity and meet growing sales in the U.S. market. The move also optimizes production and supply chains by localizing manufacture of these seasonal products closer to the U.S. market.
While the Canadian warehouses will remain well-stocked with U.S.-made chocolate, Lindt has not yet committed to a permanent shift of Canadian volumes from its Boston facility to European plants. This strategy provides Lindt with more flexibility in how it runs operations, allowing the company 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.
The production expansion will help Lindt respond faster to seasonal spikes, particularly around Easter. It will also make managing shipping delays easier and adjusting to new trade rules more feasible. Production closer to key markets can respond faster to changes in demand, reducing dependence on transatlantic shipping, which has become increasingly costly and uncertain with tariffs in play.
This pre-stocking is a smart buffer to ensure chocolate bunnies and other Swiss chocolate products remain available even as the 39% U.S. tariff on Swiss imports takes effect. The company's decision to produce these chocolate bunnies domestically also aims to protect profits, maintain a strong brand, and ensure Swiss chocolate and chocolate bunnies are always available in North America.
This approach of reworking the supply chain is part of a wider, multi-year review of domestic manufacturing capabilities. It could eventually support other product lines, including Ghirardelli chocolates. Other chocolate makers or companies could consider moving some production closer to important markets, keeping extra stock ready, or building supply chains that can switch easily between regions.
The trial production is expected in early 2026, with planning and setting up the new equipment continuing through the end of 2025. This expansion could be a significant step for Lindt & Sprüngli, demonstrating its commitment to adapting to changing trade policies and ensuring the continuity and availability of its popular products.
- The investment by Lindt & Sprüngli to produce its Easter chocolate bunnies in the United States is part of a business strategy to improve supply chain efficiency and avoid high import tariffs.
- The production expansion, including Ghirardelli chocolates in the future, is a strategic move to optimize production and ensure the continuity and availability of Lindt's popular products, particularly in North America.
