Speak Up About Your Concern

Lindt & Sprüngli is committed to maintaining a responsible business environment built on ethical behavior, transparency, and respect for legal requirements. The company believes that integrity is essential in every aspect of its operations and expects employees, suppliers, contractors, service providers, and other business partners to follow the same principles. These expectations are established through various internal guidelines, including business conduct standards, supplier requirements, human rights commitments, and reporting procedures designed to encourage responsible decision-making throughout the organization and supply chain.

To support an open and accountable culture, Lindt & Sprüngli provides a reporting channel that allows individuals to raise concerns regarding potential violations of company policies, ethical standards, legal obligations, or regulatory requirements. The Speak Up Line serves as a confidential communication option for employees, workers, business partners, suppliers, and other individuals connected to the company’s activities. This system is intended to help identify concerns early, encourage responsible actions, and support continuous improvement across business operations.

Individuals are encouraged to first discuss concerns with their regular company contact whenever appropriate, as many issues may be resolved through direct communication. However, when a concern cannot be addressed through normal channels, when individuals feel uncomfortable raising the matter openly, or when confidentiality is preferred, the Speak Up Line provides an alternative method for submitting a report. This option allows concerns to be reviewed through an independent and structured process while helping protect the person making the report.

Reports submitted through the Speak Up Line may relate to a wide range of issues. These can include possible human rights concerns, unsafe workplace conditions, discrimination, harassment, environmental risks, unethical business practices, corruption, bribery, or other activities that may conflict with company standards or applicable laws. The reporting system reflects the company’s commitment to protecting people, promoting responsible business practices, and maintaining a culture where concerns can be raised without fear.

Not every type of request or complaint is handled through the Speak Up Line. Certain workplace matters, such as personal employment disagreements, individual performance discussions, disciplinary decisions, or internal conflicts between employees, are generally managed through appropriate human resources procedures. Similarly, routine safety notifications, facility-related concerns, consumer questions, and product-related feedback should be submitted through the relevant communication channels established for those matters. Directing each concern to the appropriate process helps ensure that issues are handled efficiently by the teams best equipped to respond.

The Speak Up Line is available to individuals connected to Lindt & Sprüngli’s operations, including employees, supply chain participants, community members, and other stakeholders. The service operates continuously throughout the year and supports multiple languages to improve accessibility for users in different regions. Reports may be submitted through available communication methods, including written submissions or telephone-based reporting options where available.

When submitting a report, individuals are encouraged to provide detailed information that can assist with the review process. Relevant details may include descriptions of the situation, involved parties, dates, locations, supporting documents, or any other information that may help investigators understand the concern. Individuals may choose to provide their identity or submit a report anonymously. While anonymous reporting is supported, providing contact information may allow investigators to request additional details and provide updates during the review process.

Each submitted concern receives a reference identification number that allows the person reporting the issue to follow the progress of the case while maintaining confidentiality. This tracking system helps ensure that reports are properly documented, reviewed, and managed throughout the investigation process. Protecting confidentiality remains a central part of the procedure, and information related to reports is handled carefully to prevent unnecessary disclosure.

The management of Speak Up reports is overseen through established compliance procedures to ensure fair, objective, and respectful handling. Investigations are conducted by designated individuals with appropriate responsibilities and expertise. The company aims to evaluate each concern impartially while considering the sensitivity of each situation. Where necessary, corrective actions may be introduced to address identified issues and prevent similar concerns from occurring in the future.

Individuals who submit concerns in good faith are protected from retaliation, unfair treatment, or negative consequences as a result of reporting potential misconduct. Lindt & Sprüngli recognizes that people must feel secure when bringing forward concerns and works to maintain an environment where speaking up is encouraged and respected. Anyone who believes they may experience pressure, retaliation, or disadvantage after submitting a report can seek additional support through available compliance channels.

After an investigation has been completed, the outcome is communicated through appropriate procedures while maintaining confidentiality requirements. If improvements or corrective measures are needed, the company takes steps to address the identified concerns and strengthen existing practices. The protection of personal information and the responsible management of reports remain priorities throughout the entire process, including after a case has been resolved.

Through its reporting framework, ethical standards, and commitment to human rights, Lindt & Sprüngli continues to promote a culture of accountability and trust. By providing a secure way for concerns to be raised and reviewed, the company supports responsible operations, stronger relationships with stakeholders, and a business environment where integrity guides everyday decisions.