Barry Callebaut reported a 9.9% drop in first-quarter sales volumes, with total volume falling to 509,401 tonnes. The decline was driven by a 22% plunge in Global Cocoa volumes and a 6.8% drop in Global Chocolate, which underperformed the broader market contraction. Revenue, however, rose 8.9% to CHF 3.67 billion, buoyed by higher cocoa prices.

The Swiss chocolate giant attributed the softness to weaker market demand and a temporary production halt at its St. Hyacinthe facility in Canada. North America volumes fell 14%, though Asia Pacific showed slight growth. The company maintained its full-year outlook, expecting pressure in the first half before a potential recovery in the second half as cocoa prices stabilize.

Hein Schumacher will take over as chief executive officer later this month, succeeding the current leadership. He inherits a company focused on deleveraging and preparing for a return to growth. Investors will watch how he navigates the challenging cocoa market and consumer price sensitivity, which has tempered demand across key regions.