While chocolate makers continue to grapple with record high cocoa and nut prices, the Kilchberg, Switzerland-based company was helped by its biggest acquisition, which puts it third in the U.S. market, and by its focus on premium chocolates.

The maker of Lindor chocolate balls and gold-foil wrapped Easter bunnies said sales including Russell Stover rose 69.2 percent in the North America (NAFTA) segment. Excluding Russell Stover, NAFTA sales rose 10.3 percent.

Net profit rose 15.6 percent from a year earlier to 65 million Swiss francs ($66.4 million), above a 57.8 million franc estimate in a Reuters poll. The first half is typically the weaker half of the year for a company that generates most of its sales leading up to Christmas.

Lindt shares were seen opening up 2.1 percent in premarket indicators according to bank Julius Baer .

The chocolate maker confirmed its forecast for 6-8 percent underlying sales growth this year and said it would again target a 20-40 basis point improvement in its earnings before interest and tax margin once Russell Stover is integrated.

Lindt said the strong Swiss franc had hit sales in the first half to the tune of 7.5 percent.

Last month, Lindt said underlying sales rose 17.4 percent to 1.4 billion francs in the six months to June. Solid growth came from its core European markets, North America, emerging markets and its "Global Retail" store market, despite challenges from a strong Swiss franc and record high raw materials prices.

(Reporting by Brenna Hughes Neghaiwi; editing by David Clarke)