Switzerland
Country
Switzerland
Continent
Western Europe
Territory Guide
Market Performance
1.7b euros, 5th largest market in Europe
Growth in 2013 was 12.1%
Market channels include general retailers (mainly Coop and Migros - 77.9 %), specialised retailers (12.5 %), direct marketing (5.5 %) and other channels (4 %)
One of the key challenges facing the Swiss organic sector is the relatively low domestic supply of organic food. Despite the rapidly growing market, the extent of organic agricultural land is only growing slowly.
Consumer Preferences & Channels
Highest per capita consumption of organic in the world and penetration of 6.9% of overall food and drink market.
Top-selling products: Eggs (EUR 40.08 million, 20.5 % of all eggs sold), fresh bread (EUR 131.67 million, 18.8 %), potatoes (EUR 136.38 million, 12.9 % of all sold)
Legislative Considerations
Come under the control of EU regulation. Any food product sold as 'organic' falls under the EU regulations 834/2007 and 889/2008. This means that the product must have been produced to these regulations and inspected and certified by a registered EU certification body. For products sold in Switzerland to carry the Bio Suisse 'Bud' logo, ingredinets must be grown in Switzerland and final processing must occur in Switzerland. UK processors of raw material grown in Switzerland can apply for 'Bio Suisse Organic' accrediation for their materials - for export and final processing in Switzerland.
Soil Association Certification offer certification support and solutions to help UK businesses meet Bio Suisse Organic requirements. Find out more.
Currently non-foods (e.g textiles and health & beauty products) are not covered by the scope of this regulation.
See Bio Suisse website for more detail on country specifics.
Sources & Links to Further Info
Research Institute of Organic Agriculture
http://www.fibl.org/en/switzerland
Swiss federation of organic organisations
http://www.bio-suisse.ch/
The largest Swiss inspection body
http://www.bioinspecta.ch/