Swiss cheese industry sees dip after 25 years of growth

After the two exceptional years of 2020 and 2021, the Swiss cheese industry recorded a decline in cheese exports of -6.7% (in volume) and -3% (in value). This was recorded at the 25th general assembly of Switzerland Cheese Marketing AG (SCM). 

A total of 76,951 tons of Swiss cheese worth CHF734.3 million (€752.7m) were exported in 2022. However, the figures are in the range of the good export values of 2020 (-0.2%) and well above the values of 2019 (+1.4%). Cheese imports declined (73,077 tons, -3.6%). The imported cheese corresponds to a value of CHF501.7 million (+2.8%, €514.3m).  

David Escher, who is the CEO of SCM, placed the figures for 2022 in the overall context of developments over the past 25 years: “Since 1998, the year SCM was founded, total consumption of cheese in Switzerland has increased by more than 80%.” 

Today consumption exceeds the amount of cheese produced in Switzerland, so the country is therefore forced to import cheese. According to David Escher, this is anything but a disadvantage, because “from an economic point of view, it is more interesting to produce high-quality Swiss cheese at a relatively high price for export and to import cheaper products for the needs of the lower segment and for industry.“ 

Against this background, the trade balance of SCM 2022 closed positive again, both in terms of volume (+3,875 tons) and value (+CHF232.6 million). 

Exchange rate developments, high inflation and declining purchasing power are making positioning and selling Swiss cheese increasingly difficult.  

Around 80% of exported Swiss cheese goes to the EU. Due to the current situation, exported Swiss cheese is becoming more expensive, and imports from abroad cheaper. SCM responds to these challenges with targeted measures.  

“We will intensify marketing activities at the point of sale in all 21 countries in which we are represented,” announced the CEO.  

In addition to the activities, which SCM carries out for individual varieties, purchase bonus programmes are also to be implemented for the entire Swiss cheese range. The federal states receive additional funds for this. The basic campaign for Swiss cheese now also highlights its sustainability.  

“Our goal is to increase knowledge about Swiss cheese and the efforts of the cheese industry. The aim is to reach young adults and families in particular via digital channels and activities in nature,” Escher says.