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The importance of the bio products market in Switzerland and its potential for European companies

With a market share of 10,3 %, the bio market passed in 2019 the 10% barrier for the first time. More and more consumers are prepared to spend more money for organic products: 57 percent put an organic product in their shopping cart daily or several times a week. The Swiss bought organic food per head and year for 350 EUR, which has put Switzerland on top of the world ranking.

The turnover generated by organic food continued to increase in 2019 to 3 billion EUR, showing a growth of 5,6 % compared to 2018. In five years, the turnover achieved with organic foodstuffs has increased by more than 900 milions EUR, going from 2.1 to 3 billion EUR, an increase of over 45% over this period. The trend seems to indicate a change in consumer behaviour with an increasing interest in healthier and sustainable products.

Since Swiss domestic production only covers around 50% of the country’s needs, Bio Suisse (the association which brings together Swiss producers of organic products and which manages imports into Switzerland of these products) decided in favour of imports in particular in order contribute to the development of organic farming throughout the world. Imports are only authorized when Swiss production is insufficient (e.g. cereals) or when the product cannot be cultivated in Switzerland (e.g. coffee). The imports from neighbouring countries are favoured, so there is a significant advantage for European producers.

However, it is important to be well prepared because the Bio Suisse standards are among the most demanding in the world. Do not hesitate to contact Prodigo for assistance in obtaining the necessary information and in verifying compliance with the administrative procedures to import agricultural products into the Swiss market.