Swiss sugar confectionery grows thanks to renewed export growth

The total sales (domestic and export) of Swiss sugar confectionery manufactured on an industrial scale increased by 6.1 % to 31,001 tonnes in 2010. The percentage of sugar-free products dropped by 8.9 % yet still represents 46.1 %. The total sales of CHF 329 million saw development that was disproportionately low, with a growth rate of 0.7 %. On the domestic market, the Swiss sugar confectionery industry sold 0.3 % fewer products in 2010, with a total of 7,347 tonnes, in comparison to the previous year, which equates to a drop in sales of 1.5 % to CHF 100 million. The import of sugar confectionery increased in terms of quantity by 3.4 % on the previous year, whilst the market share of domestic manufacturers fell from 27.8 % to 27.1 %. The domestic sales of domestic and imported sugar confectionery rose to 27,129 tonnes (+ 2.4 %). The average per capita consumption rose by 100 g in comparison to last year and now amounts to 3.5 kg. The proportion of sugar-free items in domestic consumption fell from 22.9 % to 21.7 %. In 2010, the export market grew by 8.3 % to 23,654 tonnes. The turnover achieved as a result increased by 1.7 % to CHF 229 million. Germany (24.4 %), the USA (18.9 %), France (11.9 %) and the Netherlands (9.1 %) remained the largest export markets for Swiss sugar confectionery in 2010. Amongst other areas, the Swiss sugar confectionery manufacturers were able to strengthen their position in Spain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Russian Federation and in Saudi Arabia. The export share of total production rose from 74.8 % to 76.3 %. The 14 Swiss sugar confectionery manufacturers employ 780 employees. They are aiming to continue growth on the export markets and hope for an improved exchange rate situation.