The Swiss chocolate industry in 2011: Slight fall

Switzerland's 18 chocolate manufacturers were more or less able in 2011 to sustain the positive result of 2010 in terms of quantity with 176,332 tonnes (- 0.1 %). They fared less well in terms of value, however. Turnover across the industry fell by 3.1 % to CHF 1,690 million. The decrease in turnover in the export business can be attributed largely to the strength of the Swiss franc. The pricing pressure in the retail trade and the consumer confidence left their traces on the domestic market. Of total production, 60.7 % was sold abroad (previous year: 60.4 %). The considerable weakened consumer confidence compared with the previous year has had a negative impact on the demand for chocolate products in Switzerland in 2011. Sales on the domestic market by Swiss manufacturing companies amounted to 69,281 tonnes, or 0.8 % less than in the previous year. The share of imported chocolates consumed on the domestic market increased again slightly, after having dipped in the previous year for the first time in nine years. This amounted to 34.0 % (previous year 33.2 %). In 2011, the Swiss chocolate industry was able to achieve a further slight increase in volume in the export business. Foreign sales reached 107,051 tonnes, representing growth of 0.4 %. At the same time, turnover in value terms fell by 2.9 % as a result of the continuing strength of the Swiss franc and the weakening economy in the euro area. It amounted to CHF 820 million. As always, Germany (17.0 % share of exports) led the 150 export markets, ahead of the United Kingdom (13.1 %), France (9.2 %) and Canada (6.7 %). The quantities delivered to Germany showed further growth of 10.5 % compared with the previous year and generated additional turnover of 3.4 %. In contrast, most of the other European export markets developed in a negative direction. Meanwhile, outside the EU, the industry was able to notch up impressive sales increases in Brazil, Israel, the Philippines, the Russian Federation and Singapore.