GITNUXREPORT 2026

Switzerland Food Industry Statistics

Switzerland's food industry is a major economic force, heavily export-driven with strong domestic consumption.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

The Swiss food industry employed 152,000 people in 2022, 8% of manufacturing workforce.

Statistic 2

Average annual wage in food manufacturing was CHF 72,500 in 2023.

Statistic 3

Dairy sector employment stood at 28,000 full-time equivalents in 2022.

Statistic 4

Chocolate industry jobs numbered 15,000 in 2023, concentrated in northwest Switzerland.

Statistic 5

Bakery employment reached 35,000 workers in 2022.

Statistic 6

Meat processing employed 12,500 people in 2023.

Statistic 7

Beverage industry workforce was 18,000 in 2022.

Statistic 8

Organic food sector jobs grew to 20,000 in 2023, up 5%.

Statistic 9

Nestlé Switzerland employed 14,000 in food production in 2022.

Statistic 10

Food retail sector had 120,000 employees in 2023.

Statistic 11

Female workforce in food industry was 42% in 2022.

Statistic 12

Apprenticeships in food manufacturing totaled 8,500 in 2023.

Statistic 13

Part-time employment rate in food sector was 35% in 2022.

Statistic 14

R&D staff in food industry numbered 5,200 in 2023.

Statistic 15

Logistics jobs in food supply chain were 25,000 in 2022.

Statistic 16

Wine industry employment was 9,000 seasonal workers in 2023.

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Food safety inspectors employed 1,200 across cantons in 2022.

Statistic 18

Hourly wage for unskilled food workers averaged CHF 22.50 in 2023.

Statistic 19

Management positions in food firms had average salary CHF 150,000 in 2022.

Statistic 20

Unemployment rate in food sector was 2.1% in 2023.

Statistic 21

Migrant workers comprised 28% of food industry labor in 2022.

Statistic 22

In 2023, Swiss exports of chocolate reached CHF 2.8 billion, a 4.5% increase from 2022.

Statistic 23

Dairy product exports totaled CHF 1.9 billion in 2022, with cheese leading at 60%.

Statistic 24

Processed meat exports from Switzerland were valued at CHF 850 million in 2023.

Statistic 25

Wine exports amounted to CHF 1.2 billion in 2022, mainly to Germany and USA.

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Confectionery exports hit CHF 3.5 billion in 2023, 85% of total production.

Statistic 27

Baby food exports reached CHF 1.1 billion in 2022, driven by Nestlé brands.

Statistic 28

Mineral water exports totaled 150 million liters in 2023, valued at CHF 120 million.

Statistic 29

Coffee products exported from Switzerland were CHF 950 million in 2022.

Statistic 30

Bakery products exports grew to CHF 450 million in 2023.

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Organic food exports from Switzerland reached CHF 650 million in 2022.

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Pet food exports totaled CHF 1.8 billion in 2023, with Nestlé Purina leading.

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Chocolate machinery exports were CHF 200 million in 2022.

Statistic 34

Instant noodles exports hit 20,000 tons in 2023, valued at CHF 80 million.

Statistic 35

Fruit preserves exports reached CHF 150 million in 2022.

Statistic 36

Ice cream exports totaled 12,000 tons in 2023.

Statistic 37

Pasta exports from Switzerland were CHF 120 million in 2022.

Statistic 38

Beer exports amounted to 50 million liters in 2023, CHF 90 million value.

Statistic 39

Canned fish exports reached CHF 75 million in 2022.

Statistic 40

In 2022, Switzerland imported CHF 12.5 billion worth of food products, 25% from EU countries.

Statistic 41

Fruit imports totaled 850,000 tons in 2023, mainly bananas and citrus.

Statistic 42

Meat imports reached 280,000 tons in 2022, with poultry at 45%.

Statistic 43

Vegetable imports were 1.2 million tons in 2023, 60% from Netherlands.

Statistic 44

Coffee imports into Switzerland hit 45,000 tons in 2022.

Statistic 45

Seafood imports totaled CHF 1.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 46

Sugar imports reached 200,000 tons in 2022.

Statistic 47

Edible oils imports were 350,000 tons in 2023.

Statistic 48

Grain imports amounted to 2.5 million tons in 2022, wheat dominant.

Statistic 49

Tropical products imports totaled CHF 3.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 50

Prepared foods imports hit CHF 4.1 billion in 2022.

Statistic 51

Dairy imports were 150,000 tons in 2023, despite strong domestic production.

Statistic 52

Alcoholic beverages imports reached CHF 1.5 billion in 2022.

Statistic 53

Spices and herbs imports totaled 25,000 tons in 2023.

Statistic 54

Cocoa beans imports were 120,000 tons in 2022 for chocolate industry.

Statistic 55

Nuts imports reached 80,000 tons in 2023.

Statistic 56

Soft drinks concentrates imports valued at CHF 250 million in 2022.

Statistic 57

Pasta ingredients imports totaled 50,000 tons in 2023.

Statistic 58

Per capita food consumption in Switzerland was 850 kg in 2022.

Statistic 59

Chocolate consumption averaged 11.5 kg per person annually in 2023.

Statistic 60

Cheese intake reached 22 kg per capita in 2022.

Statistic 61

Household food expenditure was CHF 3,200 per year in 2023.

Statistic 62

Organic food market share was 12.5% of total in 2022.

Statistic 63

Ready-to-eat meals consumption grew 6% to 15 kg per capita in 2023.

Statistic 64

Soft drinks consumption totaled 140 liters per person in 2022.

Statistic 65

Meat consumption averaged 85 kg per capita in 2023, down 2%.

Statistic 66

Wine consumption was 35 liters per adult in 2022.

Statistic 67

Bread and bakery products intake was 55 kg per capita annually in 2023.

Statistic 68

Dairy products consumption totaled 320 kg per person in 2022.

Statistic 69

Snack food consumption rose to 25 kg per capita in 2023.

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Fruit consumption averaged 120 kg per person in 2022.

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Vegetable intake was 110 kg per capita in 2023.

Statistic 72

Coffee consumption reached 8 kg per person in 2022.

Statistic 73

Ice cream consumption was 7.5 liters per capita in summer 2023.

Statistic 74

Pet food market size hit CHF 2.5 billion in 2022.

Statistic 75

Functional food sales grew 8% to CHF 1.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 76

Plant-based alternatives consumption tripled to 5 kg per capita in 2022.

Statistic 77

In 2022, the Swiss food manufacturing sector generated a total turnover of CHF 32.5 billion, representing 5.2% of the country's total industrial output.

Statistic 78

Switzerland's chocolate production reached 175,000 tons in 2023, with 90% destined for export.

Statistic 79

The dairy industry in Switzerland produced 3.9 million tons of milk in 2022, a 1.2% increase from the previous year.

Statistic 80

Swiss cheese production totaled 195,000 tons in 2023, led by Emmental and Gruyère varieties.

Statistic 81

In 2021, the bakery sector output was valued at CHF 4.8 billion, with 1.2 billion kg of bread produced.

Statistic 82

Meat processing in Switzerland yielded 450,000 tons in 2022, with pork accounting for 55%.

Statistic 83

The beverage industry produced 6.5 million hectoliters of non-alcoholic drinks in 2023.

Statistic 84

Swiss wine production hit 75 million liters in 2022, primarily from Valais and Vaud regions.

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Canned food production reached 120,000 tons in 2021, with vegetables comprising 40%.

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The confectionery sector manufactured CHF 5.2 billion worth of products in 2023.

Statistic 87

Infant formula production in Switzerland was 25,000 tons in 2022, dominated by Nestlé.

Statistic 88

Frozen food output grew to 350,000 tons in 2023, up 3.5% year-over-year.

Statistic 89

Organic food production volume was 150,000 tons in 2022, 12% of total food output.

Statistic 90

Pasta production totaled 85,000 tons in 2021, with 70% from domestic wheat.

Statistic 91

Edible oil refining capacity in Switzerland processed 200,000 tons in 2023.

Statistic 92

Sugar production from beets reached 140,000 tons in 2022 season.

Statistic 93

Ready meals production hit CHF 2.1 billion in value terms in 2023.

Statistic 94

Fruit juice concentrate output was 50,000 tons in 2022.

Statistic 95

Cereal processing yielded 1.1 million tons of milled products in 2023.

Statistic 96

Snack food production volume reached 100,000 tons in 2021.

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Beyond its famed chocolate and cheese, Switzerland's food industry is a powerhouse of precision, contributing CHF 32.5 billion to the national economy and fueling the country's appetite for both tradition and innovation.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, the Swiss food manufacturing sector generated a total turnover of CHF 32.5 billion, representing 5.2% of the country's total industrial output.
Switzerland's chocolate production reached 175,000 tons in 2023, with 90% destined for export.
The dairy industry in Switzerland produced 3.9 million tons of milk in 2022, a 1.2% increase from the previous year.
In 2023, Swiss exports of chocolate reached CHF 2.8 billion, a 4.5% increase from 2022.
Dairy product exports totaled CHF 1.9 billion in 2022, with cheese leading at 60%.
Processed meat exports from Switzerland were valued at CHF 850 million in 2023.
In 2022, Switzerland imported CHF 12.5 billion worth of food products, 25% from EU countries.
Fruit imports totaled 850,000 tons in 2023, mainly bananas and citrus.
Meat imports reached 280,000 tons in 2022, with poultry at 45%.
The Swiss food industry employed 152,000 people in 2022, 8% of manufacturing workforce.
Average annual wage in food manufacturing was CHF 72,500 in 2023.
Dairy sector employment stood at 28,000 full-time equivalents in 2022.
Per capita food consumption in Switzerland was 850 kg in 2022.
Chocolate consumption averaged 11.5 kg per person annually in 2023.
Cheese intake reached 22 kg per capita in 2022.

Switzerland's food industry is a major economic force, heavily export-driven with strong domestic consumption.

Employment and Wages

The Swiss food industry employed 152,000 people in 2022, 8% of manufacturing workforce.
Average annual wage in food manufacturing was CHF 72,500 in 2023.
Dairy sector employment stood at 28,000 full-time equivalents in 2022.
Chocolate industry jobs numbered 15,000 in 2023, concentrated in northwest Switzerland.
Bakery employment reached 35,000 workers in 2022.
Meat processing employed 12,500 people in 2023.
Beverage industry workforce was 18,000 in 2022.
Organic food sector jobs grew to 20,000 in 2023, up 5%.
Nestlé Switzerland employed 14,000 in food production in 2022.
Food retail sector had 120,000 employees in 2023.
Female workforce in food industry was 42% in 2022.
Apprenticeships in food manufacturing totaled 8,500 in 2023.
Part-time employment rate in food sector was 35% in 2022.
R&D staff in food industry numbered 5,200 in 2023.
Logistics jobs in food supply chain were 25,000 in 2022.
Wine industry employment was 9,000 seasonal workers in 2023.
Food safety inspectors employed 1,200 across cantons in 2022.
Hourly wage for unskilled food workers averaged CHF 22.50 in 2023.
Management positions in food firms had average salary CHF 150,000 in 2022.
Unemployment rate in food sector was 2.1% in 2023.
Migrant workers comprised 28% of food industry labor in 2022.

Employment and Wages Interpretation

Switzerland's food industry, with its 152,000 workers, is a deliciously complex and surprisingly equitable ecosystem—a place where your chocolate is crafted by 15,000 specialists, your organic groceries are delivered by a growing workforce, and your average cheese-maker earns a solidly comfortable living while ensuring the nation's larder is both safe and splendid.

Export Statistics

In 2023, Swiss exports of chocolate reached CHF 2.8 billion, a 4.5% increase from 2022.
Dairy product exports totaled CHF 1.9 billion in 2022, with cheese leading at 60%.
Processed meat exports from Switzerland were valued at CHF 850 million in 2023.
Wine exports amounted to CHF 1.2 billion in 2022, mainly to Germany and USA.
Confectionery exports hit CHF 3.5 billion in 2023, 85% of total production.
Baby food exports reached CHF 1.1 billion in 2022, driven by Nestlé brands.
Mineral water exports totaled 150 million liters in 2023, valued at CHF 120 million.
Coffee products exported from Switzerland were CHF 950 million in 2022.
Bakery products exports grew to CHF 450 million in 2023.
Organic food exports from Switzerland reached CHF 650 million in 2022.
Pet food exports totaled CHF 1.8 billion in 2023, with Nestlé Purina leading.
Chocolate machinery exports were CHF 200 million in 2022.
Instant noodles exports hit 20,000 tons in 2023, valued at CHF 80 million.
Fruit preserves exports reached CHF 150 million in 2022.
Ice cream exports totaled 12,000 tons in 2023.
Pasta exports from Switzerland were CHF 120 million in 2022.
Beer exports amounted to 50 million liters in 2023, CHF 90 million value.
Canned fish exports reached CHF 75 million in 2022.

Export Statistics Interpretation

Switzerland's food industry reveals a nation that has masterfully balanced tradition with shrewd opportunism, exporting precision not only in the form of CHF 200 million of chocolate machinery, but also in the chocolate itself (CHF 2.8 billion worth), while quietly cornering global markets in everything from baby formula to pet food, proving the Swiss appetite for profit is as diverse and well-fed as its famously neutral citizens.

Import Statistics

In 2022, Switzerland imported CHF 12.5 billion worth of food products, 25% from EU countries.
Fruit imports totaled 850,000 tons in 2023, mainly bananas and citrus.
Meat imports reached 280,000 tons in 2022, with poultry at 45%.
Vegetable imports were 1.2 million tons in 2023, 60% from Netherlands.
Coffee imports into Switzerland hit 45,000 tons in 2022.
Seafood imports totaled CHF 1.8 billion in 2023.
Sugar imports reached 200,000 tons in 2022.
Edible oils imports were 350,000 tons in 2023.
Grain imports amounted to 2.5 million tons in 2022, wheat dominant.
Tropical products imports totaled CHF 3.2 billion in 2023.
Prepared foods imports hit CHF 4.1 billion in 2022.
Dairy imports were 150,000 tons in 2023, despite strong domestic production.
Alcoholic beverages imports reached CHF 1.5 billion in 2022.
Spices and herbs imports totaled 25,000 tons in 2023.
Cocoa beans imports were 120,000 tons in 2022 for chocolate industry.
Nuts imports reached 80,000 tons in 2023.
Soft drinks concentrates imports valued at CHF 250 million in 2022.
Pasta ingredients imports totaled 50,000 tons in 2023.

Import Statistics Interpretation

Switzerland's grocery list reads like a gourmet atlas—from Dutch vegetables to mountains of chocolate-bound cocoa—proving that even a nation of self-sufficient bankers and watchmakers can't resist a well-stocked global pantry.

Market Consumption

Per capita food consumption in Switzerland was 850 kg in 2022.
Chocolate consumption averaged 11.5 kg per person annually in 2023.
Cheese intake reached 22 kg per capita in 2022.
Household food expenditure was CHF 3,200 per year in 2023.
Organic food market share was 12.5% of total in 2022.
Ready-to-eat meals consumption grew 6% to 15 kg per capita in 2023.
Soft drinks consumption totaled 140 liters per person in 2022.
Meat consumption averaged 85 kg per capita in 2023, down 2%.
Wine consumption was 35 liters per adult in 2022.
Bread and bakery products intake was 55 kg per capita annually in 2023.
Dairy products consumption totaled 320 kg per person in 2022.
Snack food consumption rose to 25 kg per capita in 2023.
Fruit consumption averaged 120 kg per person in 2022.
Vegetable intake was 110 kg per capita in 2023.
Coffee consumption reached 8 kg per person in 2022.
Ice cream consumption was 7.5 liters per capita in summer 2023.
Pet food market size hit CHF 2.5 billion in 2022.
Functional food sales grew 8% to CHF 1.2 billion in 2023.
Plant-based alternatives consumption tripled to 5 kg per capita in 2022.

Market Consumption Interpretation

Switzerland’s formidable annual diet of 850 kg per person is a meticulously balanced equation of chocolate and cheese offset by heroic vegetable consumption, all washed down with wine and coffee while the pets eat better than some nations' people.

Production and Manufacturing

In 2022, the Swiss food manufacturing sector generated a total turnover of CHF 32.5 billion, representing 5.2% of the country's total industrial output.
Switzerland's chocolate production reached 175,000 tons in 2023, with 90% destined for export.
The dairy industry in Switzerland produced 3.9 million tons of milk in 2022, a 1.2% increase from the previous year.
Swiss cheese production totaled 195,000 tons in 2023, led by Emmental and Gruyère varieties.
In 2021, the bakery sector output was valued at CHF 4.8 billion, with 1.2 billion kg of bread produced.
Meat processing in Switzerland yielded 450,000 tons in 2022, with pork accounting for 55%.
The beverage industry produced 6.5 million hectoliters of non-alcoholic drinks in 2023.
Swiss wine production hit 75 million liters in 2022, primarily from Valais and Vaud regions.
Canned food production reached 120,000 tons in 2021, with vegetables comprising 40%.
The confectionery sector manufactured CHF 5.2 billion worth of products in 2023.
Infant formula production in Switzerland was 25,000 tons in 2022, dominated by Nestlé.
Frozen food output grew to 350,000 tons in 2023, up 3.5% year-over-year.
Organic food production volume was 150,000 tons in 2022, 12% of total food output.
Pasta production totaled 85,000 tons in 2021, with 70% from domestic wheat.
Edible oil refining capacity in Switzerland processed 200,000 tons in 2023.
Sugar production from beets reached 140,000 tons in 2022 season.
Ready meals production hit CHF 2.1 billion in value terms in 2023.
Fruit juice concentrate output was 50,000 tons in 2022.
Cereal processing yielded 1.1 million tons of milled products in 2023.
Snack food production volume reached 100,000 tons in 2021.

Production and Manufacturing Interpretation

While the Swiss food industry’s towering CHF 32.5 billion engine hums along on a foundation of hearty dairy, bread, and meat, its true global reputation—and sweet tooth—is built by exporting a mountain of chocolate and an empire of infant formula.

Sources & References

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