Consumers spent 11.3% more on food and beverages in brick-and-mortar shops last year than they did in 2019, helping the food retail trade to pull in a record turnover of nearly CHF30 billion ($33.7 billion).
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/gw
Español
es
Suiza gastó una cantidad récord en alimentos en 2020
In total, the average household spent CHF7,680 on comestibles, according to figures released on Thursday by the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG), which did not include online retail in its report.
Consumers used over a third of their food budget to buy meat but spent significantly less (14%) on fruits and vegetables. More than one in 10 Swiss francs was spent on organic products.
The figures also revealed differences in spending habits among households. Urban dwellers bought less meat and milk than those living in rural areas. Families with children used the biggest share of their budget for meat products, while those without children spent most on vegetables and alcoholic drinks.
The Swiss showed a preference for traditional retailers such as Coop and Migros – accounting for nearly 77% of consumer spending on food – over discount shops (17%) and specialised outlets such as bakeries, green grocers and gas stations (6%). According to the FOAG, the retail trade is the biggest distribution channel for Swiss agricultural products.
Switzerland consistently ranks among the most expensive countries in Europe for consumer goods, particularly food and beverages. A study of online consumer banking data in April 2020 revealed that, as a result of the lockdown imposed to limit the spread of Covid-19, Swiss consumers were spending significantly less on clothing and cosmetics and more on food.
Popular Stories
More
Multinational companies
Azeri fossil-fuel cash cow brings controversy to Switzerland
Swiss price watchdog slams excessive prices for generic medicines
This content was published on
The cheapest generic medicines available in Switzerland are more than twice as expensive as in other countries, according to a study by the Swiss price watchdog.
Nature should not figure in net zero calculations: academic study
This content was published on
The natural removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by forests or oceans should not be included in the net-zero balance of climate protection measures, argue researchers.
This content was published on
None of the 15 major Swiss retail banks is meeting international climate and biodiversity targets, according to a ranking by WWF Switzerland.
This content was published on
Nestlé's new CEO Laurent Freixe, has presented plans for the future of the world's largest food company, after his first few weeks in office.
Swiss foreign minister calls on Moscow to end Ukraine war
This content was published on
It's high time Moscow ended its war against Ukraine, Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis tells the UN Security Council.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
This content was published on
Why are the Swiss so fond of cross-border shopping? What has recently changed in their eating habits? A researcher from Germany knows the answers.
This content was published on
The foundation collected 3,820 tonnes of food that was not for sale but still in perfect condition – a 5.6% increase relative to 2018. That surplus food was delivered free of charge to around 500 social institutions and food distribution points. In total, the quantity of goods corresponded to over eight million meals for people…
Income in Switzerland: how much is saved, how much is spent?
This content was published on
Around one-third of gross income goes towards paying taxes, social security contributions, and obligatory health insurance.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.