Ritter Sport is cutting jobs for the first time: cocoa prices have fallen

The spokesman cited sharp increases in raw material prices, especially cocoa, as reasons. But the prices for energy and packaging have also recently put a strain on business. In addition, there is a clear reluctance to buy. According to the spokesman, the dismantling should be carried out in a socially responsible manner. However, redundancies for operational reasons cannot be ruled out.

Ritter Sport in the loss zone

Ritter Sport had already announced that it wanted to simplify the cost structures. Around 1,900 people around the world recently worked for the manufacturer. In Waldenbuch there were around 1,000 people, of which just over 600 were in the administration, as the spokesman announced. Accordingly, around 70 administrative positions will be eliminated.

Ritter Sport slipped into the red in 2025 despite significantly more sales. According to previous information from the Swabians, the operating result remained well below expectations. The loss was primarily caused by sharp increases in raw material costs. Ritter Sport did not provide any specific information about the amount. As early as 2024, the result was under pressure but still positive, the spokesman said at the end of January.

Sales increase in 2025

Last year, however, sales climbed by around 17.7 percent to 712 million euros – after 605 million euros in 2024. These are preliminary figures adjusted for exchange rate effects. However, the increase could not compensate for the “massive cost increases” along the entire value chain.

According to its own information, the company had also increased the prices for the square chocolate bars. However, only part of the costs could have been passed on to retailers. The sales growth is the result of higher sales prices coupled with declining volumes.

Cocoa prices fell after better harvest

In recent years, chocolate has become significantly more expensive. The cause was feared crop failures in West Africa as a result of plant diseases and extreme weather. Manufacturers and food retailers passed on the increased raw material costs to customers. According to the Federal Statistical Office, a bar of chocolate was on average 71 percent more expensive in March than in 2020. Recently, raw cocoa prices on the stock exchanges have fallen sharply again. The reason is a better harvest. Various manufacturers have subsequently reduced their prices.