( CNN ) -- Swiss chocolate maker Lindt is expanding into the U.S. , China and Russia as it seeks to combat the impact of the country 's strong franc and the eurozone crisis . The franc , seen as a safe haven currency , has been appreciating as the almost-three year old financial crisis continues to weigh on countries using the euro . The strong currency eats into the company 's bottom line , leaving Lindt -- which turned an operating profit of $ 52 million this year -- struggling to maintain financial momentum . According to Lindt chief executive Ernst Tanner , sales growth is falling short of targets and some of the company 's markets are now in decline . Appreciation of the Swiss franc cost Lindt an estimated 9.5 % of profits in 2011 . `` We have grown from approximately $ 800 million twenty years ago to $ 2.5 billion [ in sales ] last year . But those $ 2.5 billion would be more than $ 4 billion at exchange rates that we had 20 years ago , '' Tanner said . Lindt still makes all its chocolate in Zurich , but its expansion plans now include opening boutiques and coffee shops to promote its brand . But the company , famous for its Lindor balls , continues to face challenges in emerging markets . `` The chocolate consumption is relatively low and the Lindt brand is unknown [ in emerging markets ] , '' Tanner said . `` With a boutique we can best demonstrate our values , our quality , our breadth of products . This is a vehicle with which we have really established our brand . '' CNN 's Arvid Ahlund contributed to this report .
Swiss chocolate maker Lindt is expanding into the U.S. , China and Russia . The Swiss company 's profits are being hit by the strong franc . Boutiques and coffee shops are central to Lindt 's expansion into emerging markets .