The high cocoa price and the “extremely complex geopolitical circumstances” were among the factors affecting the company, Leonidas itself said in a press release. In addition, investments were also made in a new factory in Nivelles. It will open next year.
This is the fourth year in a row that Leonidas has achieved record turnover. Leonidas was confronted with “a slowdown” on the Belgian market, according to the press release. But this was compensated by growth in the rest of Europe, especially in France. The shops at the airports (travel retail) also did remarkably well: sales increased by 10 percent. This will now become one of Leonidas’ priority activities. The company wants to “develop specific products for different target markets”.
Invest heavily in marketing
Leonidas sees 2026 as “a transition year”. By the end of the year, all activities should have been moved from Anderlecht to the new factory in Nivelles. Thanks to the new production lines, the praline maker can further expand its range, it said.
In 2026, the brand also wants to strengthen its commercial activities in Belgium, “to restart growth”. Thirty new points of sale are being opened in France. Leonidas will also invest heavily in marketing, particularly in Ireland, Romania and Greece “to firmly anchor the brand there”.