At a recent press conference Bio Suisse presented its figures on the development of organic farming in Switzerland in 2020. The increase in sales in the organic retail trade was 19.1%, and the market share of organic reached 10.8% (10.3% in 2019). Per capita consumption rose to 455 francs (over 41 euros), a world record. The closure of restaurants and canteens has led people to cook at home and, due to the closure of borders, to shop in Switzerland. In 2020, consumers bought organic food for more than CHF 3.8 billion (2019: CHF 3.2 billion). As in recent years, the most popular products are eggs (28.9% market share), bread (26.2%) and vegetables (23.9%). Lockdown and teleworking have changed consumption habits. Sales (CHF 1.05 billion) and market share (8.2%, +22.4%) of pre-packaged products increased above average.

One in six holdings in Switzerland is organic. At the beginning of 2021, 160 new farms began converting to organic farming, and there are currently 7,450 producers working to the Bio Suisse standard, i.e. 93% of all organic farms in Switzerland. Together they cultivate 172,090 hectares of farmland (+ 2,730 ha). Across Switzerland, 16.1% of all farms use the Bio Suisse logo.

To ensure that more consumers can find organic products where they normally shop, Bio Suisse is actively seeking new sales channels. Retail remains the most important market, but organic food still plays a very minor role in catering. However, this scenario is set to change: Bio Suisse is working on the approximately 3,500 catering companies in Switzerland to increase the proportion of organic products in the sector.

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Source: Bio Suisse