Swiss chocolate: decline in domestic sales, growth in exports

According to the association Chocosuisse, the domestic consumption of Swiss-produced chocolate fell by 3.4%. The corresponding drop in sales was accompanied by a 4.8% fall in domestic turnover. The share of imported chocolate consumed domestically rose to 41%. The annual consumption per-capita in Switzerland fell by 200 g to 10.3 kg. The negative trend on the domestic market was accompanied by a long and hot summer, and Christmas business which was relatively sluggish at first.

Exports once again generated pleasing results. The share of exports in the total production of the Swiss chocolate industry continued to rise in 2018 and now makes up 72.5%. The products exported abroad rose by 8.0% to 138,153 tonnes, and the turnover generated rose by 6.0% to CHF 991 m. With a 10% increase in sales and 7% in turnover, the growth in EU countries was greater than in non-EU countries. Growth in sales (+ 2%) was recorded in non-EU countries, although a decline in turnover was also noted (- 9%). Considerable drops were recorded in particular countries in the Middle East and South-East Asia. However, countries like Australia, Brazil, China, Japan or Russia showed strong growth rates.

In view of the market trend, ensuring internationally-competitive conditions for Switzerland as a production location is increasingly important. The conditions are, however, under pressure. The main concerns on this point are the abolish-ment of reimbursements for customs duties as per the “Chocolate law” at the end of 2018, and the introduction of a minimum border protection for sugar at the start of 2019.