Is it still worth protecting the identity of Swiss cheese?

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I cover food and agribusiness and have a special interest in sustainable supply chains, food safety and quality, as well emerging players and trends in the food industry. A background in forestry and conservation biology led me down the path of environmental advocacy. Journalism and Switzerland made me a neutral observer who holds companies accountable for their actions.

Courts in the United States and the European Union have refused to recognise the ‘Swissness’ of Gruyere and Emmentaler cheese respectively. Even the Swiss government has abandoned the battle to protect traditional Swiss cheese names abroad.

Agribusiness

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This content was published on Mar 30, 2026 US tariffs are being used to procure Swiss cheese produced by American farmers under a special provision to absorb surplus production and protect rural jobs.

Protecting these names safeguards quality, heritage and rural livelihoods. On the other hand, once a product becomes global, its name inevitably becomes generic and open to broader use.

In an increasingly globalised food market, how can Switzerland still defend the identity of its cheeses and should it do so?

Is it still worth protecting the identity of Swiss cheese?

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The US plans to buy $10 million worth of Swiss cheese – just not from Switzerland

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