Chocolate in Switzerland: Decreased Consumption but Rising Prices (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

In 2025, chocolate consumption in Switzerland declined, but revenue grew by 11.8%, amid significant cost pressures.

Contesto

TL;DR - Swiss chocolate consumption dropped 7.9% in 2025 - Exports fell 9.3% despite an 11.8% revenue increase - Cocoa prices surged 15%, raising production costs - Ticino's chocolate sector faces a 10% company decline ## Key facts - Chocolate consumption: 192,458 tons in 2025, down 7.9% from 2024 - Exports: 136,829 tons in 2025, down 9.3% from 2024 - Revenue increase: 11.8% increase to 2.5 billion francs in 2025 - Cocoa price increase: 15% increase in the past year, reaching 2,800 CHF per ton - Alprose sales: 10% contraction in 2025, revenue at 30 million francs - Chocolat Stella sales: 12% decrease in 2025, revenue at 5 million francs - Per capita consumption: 10.3 kg in 2025, down 2.7% from 2024 - Active companies in Ticino: Decreased by 10% in the last three years The Swiss chocolate market is undergoing a significant transformation. According to data provided by the producers' association Chocosuisse, in 2025, Switzerland recorded a chocolate consumption of 192,458 tons, a decrease of 7.9% compared to the previous year. This decline was accompanied by a reduction in domestic consumption, which amounted to 55,719 tons, and a significant drop in exports, which fell by 9.3% with 136,829 tons sold abroad. This poses a challenge for producers, particularly for companies in the Canton of Ticino, such as Alprose and Chocolat Stella, which contribute to a sector vital for the local economy. In the municipality of Caslano, Alprose experienced a 10% contraction in sales compared to 2024, bringing revenue to approximately 30 million francs. Similarly, Chocolat Stella, based in Lugano, reported a 12% decrease in sales, with revenue stopping at 5 million francs. Despite the drop in quantities sold, the overall revenue of the segment recorded an increase of 11.8%, reaching 2....

Dettagli operativi

The current situation of the chocolate market requires an in-depth analysis of the economic dynamics and associated costs. In 2025, per capita chocolate consumption in Switzerland saw a decrease of 2.7%, falling to 10.3 kilograms, of which 6.1 kilograms was Swiss chocolate (-4.5%) and 4.2 kilograms was imported product (-0.2%). This drop in consumption is concerning for companies in the sector, which are already facing a rise in production costs due to the increase in cocoa prices, which have surged by 15% compared to the previous year, reaching 2,800 CHF per ton. Ticino companies, such as those in Lugano and Bellinzona, which employ around 4,600 people, face the challenge of maintaining profitability in a market that seems to have reached a saturation point. Indeed, the number of active companies in the sector in Ticino has decreased by 10% in the last three years, signaling a crisis of competitiveness. Chocosuisse is working to find solutions, such as a trade agreement with the United States and facilitated access to the European Union market, which could increase exports by 20% by 2026. The dependence on foreign markets is high, given that over 70% of production is exported. For example, in 2024, the city of Lugano exported chocolate worth 150 million CHF, but international competition, particularly from countries like Belgium and France, is becoming increasingly fierce. Local companies are now called upon to reduce operational costs and improve production efficiency to remain competitive. An operational checklist could include: - Restructuring production processes to reduce waste - Investing in green technologies to lower energy costs - Training staff to enhance skills and efficiency To address current challenges, it is crucial that Ticino companies collaborate...

Punti chiave

For consumers and producers, it is a time for reflection. Swiss people, while continuing to consider chocolate a high-quality product, are showing signs of a shift in purchasing behaviors. According to a study conducted by the Swiss Chocolate Association, in 2022, chocolate consumption in Switzerland decreased by 8% compared to the previous year, while prices increased on average by 5%. This situation could lead to greater attention in product selection, favoring local brands. Consumers can use this time to explore market offerings, taking advantage of promotions and artisanal products that highlight Swiss chocolate-making traditions, such as chocolates from Mendrisio and chocolate bars from Lugano. Ticino chocolate companies should emphasize the quality and origin of their products to attract an increasingly discerning clientele. For example, Ammann chocolate from Bellinzona, made with cocoa sourced from sustainable farms, saw a 15% increase in sales in the first quarter of 2023, thanks to a marketing campaign focused on the ethical sourcing of cocoa. It is also a moment to reassess marketing strategies, focusing on unique experiences and tasting events that can engage the public and stimulate interest. 📊 Operational Checklist for Chocolate Companies: - Highlight the origin of the cocoa used. - Create tasting events in municipalities like Locarno and Chiasso. - Offer special promotions for local products. - Collaborate with local artisans to create limited editions. ⚠️ Recent regulations regarding chocolate production, such as the decree from 2021 establishing new quality standards for artisanal products, require attention. Companies must ensure that at least 30% of ingredients come from local suppliers to use the 'Swiss Chocolate' label. 💡 To stay informed about...

Punti chiave

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Frequently Asked Questions
What was chocolate consumption in Switzerland in 2025?
According to the data provided by the Chocosuisse producer association, Switzerland recorded a chocolate consumption of 192'458 tons in 2025, a decrease of 7.9% compared to the previous year.
What is the impact of 2022 customs regulations on cocoa imports in Switzerland?
The regulations have increased customs duties of 5% on certain types of cocoa, further complicating the economic panorama for chocolate manufacturers.
What are the main challenges for chocolate companies in Ticino due to the customs regulations of 2022?
The customs regulations of 2022 increased by 5% duties on certain types of cocoa, increasing import costs and reducing the competitiveness of Ticino companies, which must adapt to maintain profit margins and sustainability.

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