Swiss sugar confectionery industry: record-breaking exports

The Swiss sugar confectionery industry reported sales volume growth in 2005 of 4.8%, up to 25,970 tonnes worth CHF 300 m, an increase of 4.4% compared with the previous year’s record-breaking result. According to Biscosuisse, exports were up 6.7% to CHF 199 m – another new record. In all 18,248 tonnes of sugar confectionery (+7.0%) were exported by Switzerland during 2005. Of the 84 markets abroad the most significantwas the USA (accounting for 22.3% of shipments),followed by Germany (20.7%) – formerly ranked number one.France ranks third,the Netherlands fourth. Swiss sweets performed especially well in Italy, Belgium, Austria and the UK, says Biscosuisse. These positive developments were said to result from the revised free trade agreement between Switzerland and the EU;since February 1st 2005 Swiss shipments abroad have been duty free. On the home market Swiss manufacturers chalked up sales worth CHF 101 m (+0.1%). Despite being duty free imports of sugar confectionery from the EU dipped by 2.8%.