Geneva, Jan 19 (DPA) Swiss chocolate maker Lindt & Sprungli AG said sales in 2009 were worth 2.52 billion francs ($2.46 billion) representing organic growth of 2.3 percent.

In the US, Canada and Australia, the company said it experienced 'above average development' particularly in the last six months, but European countries showed 'negative consumer sentiment', leading to smaller growth.

Over the last year, the company said its sales were affected by the drop in airline passenger numbers, hurting duty-free sales.

Lindt, which said it does not distribute its so-called 'premium products' to certain chain-stores, reported it was also hit by the spread of heavy discounters.

Looking ahead, Lindt & Sprungli said it expected 'the challenging situation on the commodity markets to continue' and 'subdued consumer sentiment' to remain.

A recovery in consumer markets was forecast for the second half of 2010.

The company did not rule out a price hike for its chocolates, but said this would take place only under specific conditions it did not clarify.

Annual results will be presented March 16.