Gentle Lift-off for Swiss Chocolate Industry

Over the course of 2010, following the losses of 2009, Switzerland's 18 chocolate makers were once again in the black. In a year-on-year comparison, sales went up 1.3 % to 176,424 tonnes while turnover across the industry rose 2.4 % to reach CHF 1,743 million. The slightly disproportionate increase in sales turnover was partly due to the price adjustments necessitated by sharp increases in the cost of raw materials. Of total production, 60.4 % was sold abroad compared to 60.7 % in 2009. The generally positive consumer confidence in Switzerland had a favourable impact on demand for chocolate products in 2010. Domestic sales for the Swiss manufacturers totalled 69,829 tonnes, which was 2.1 % higher than the previous year. The best growth rates were achieved with small chocolate bars such as branches and prügeli (up 19.9 %) and with assorted pralines (up 10.1 %). As for value, domestic sales rose to CHF 898 million (up 3.3 % on 2009). The share of imported chocolates consumed on the home market dipped for the first time in nine years, amounting to 33.2 % (previous year: 33.6 %). Given a domestic chocolate-product consumption of 93,975 tonnes – including imports but excluding cocoa and chocolate powder – this works out to an average consumption of 12.0 kg per capita, up 300 g on the foregoing year. In 2010, then, the Swiss chocolate industry was able to grow its export business on the various markets again, if only slightly. Foreign sales reached 106,595 tonnes, representing an increase of 0.8 %. The corresponding rise in terms of value was a little higher at 1.5 % – a total of CHF 845 million. As always, Germany and its export share of 15.8 % led the 150 export markets – ahead of the UK (13.2 %), France (9.0 %) and Canada (7.3 %).