Swiss chocolate industry on course for success

Swiss chocolate manufacturers can look back on a successful 2013 with increased sales of almost 4%. This result is all the more remarkable on account of the strong Swiss franc, making Switzerland’s chocolate products more expensive in most export markets and lowering the price of imported chocolate. The increase in terms of quantity and sales compared with the foregoing year is primarily driven by the export business. According to CHOCOSUISSE, Switzerland’s 18 chocolate manufacturers topped the 2012 result in terms of quantity and value. With a sales volume that increased by approx. 6,700 tonnes to 179,061 tonnes (+ 3.9%), turnover across the industry successfully rose by 3.1% to CHF 1.683 bn.

The Swiss chocolate industry proved capable of holding its own in export markets despite the strength of the Swiss franc; on the domestic market increased consumer confidence had a positive effect on sales of chocolate products. Of total production, 61.2% was sold abroad (previous year: 60.3%). In 2013, the Swiss chocolate industry was able to significantly expand its export business. Foreign sales reached 109,662 tonnes, representing an increase of 5.6%. At the same time turnover in value terms also increased by 4.1% to CHF 792 m, despite the continuing strength of the Swiss franc and the gradual recovery of the global economy.

Once again, Germany (24.7% share of exports) led the 150 export markets, ahead of the United Kingdom (12.8%), France (8.0%) and Canada (6.3%). Outside the EU, the industry was able to notch up impressive sales increases in China, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

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