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Despite price wars, Fairtrade products continue to grow in Switzerland
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ญ Switzerland /Economy & Trade

Despite price wars, Fairtrade products continue to grow in Switzerland

From Le Temps · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Swiss consumers are increasingly selective, yet Fairtrade products saw a 6.3% revenue increase to 1.08 billion francs in 2025.
  • Switzerland leads globally in per capita consumption of Fairtrade goods, reaching 119 francs per person last year.
  • Expanded product ranges and accessible price points, alongside growth in high-volume items like cocoa and coffee, contributed to the rise.

Despite a price war among retailers and slower overall growth in the food sector, Fairtrade products are thriving in Switzerland. The turnover for these certified goods rose by 6.3% to 1.08 billion francs in 2025. This surge pushed per capita consumption to 119 francs, solidifying Switzerland's global lead in Fairtrade food consumption.

Fabian Waldmeier, director of Fairtrade Max Havelaar, attributes this success partly to an expanding range of Fairtrade products, including more accessible price segments. High-volume items such as cocoa, roses, and coffee also saw significant growth, contributing to the overall positive trend. The availability of over 3,600 Fairtrade products in Swiss stores further supports this market.

While other European countries like Germany and the Netherlands also observed positive dynamics for Fairtrade goods, Switzerland maintains its lead. This is partly due to the high purchasing power of its consumers, combined with a strong commitment to ethical sourcing. The continued growth indicates a consumer preference for sustainable and ethically produced goods, even amidst economic pressures.

The widening of the Fairtrade product range, also in the most accessible price segments, partly explains this progression.

โ€” Fabian WaldmeierDirector of Fairtrade Max Havelaar, explaining the growth in Fairtrade product sales in Switzerland.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Temps in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.