The country has been among the top five coffee exporters by value since 2009 thanks to its roasting industry. Last year it exported a total of 83,819 tonnes of coffee and imported 187,591 tonnes worth CHF745 million.
Around 93% of imports were unroasted coffee beans while 98% of exports were roasted beans. Swiss roasting adds tremendous value to the product, with the average price of imported beans at CHF4/kg and exported beans at CHF30/kg. The net benefit to the country’s coffee industry was CHF1.8 billion.
Neighbours France, Germany, Italy and Austria account for 43% of exports. The US is another big market (10% of exports) and pays the highest average price for Swiss roasted coffee at CHF44/kg. Brazil (23.3%) and Colombia (13.5%) are the major source of coffee imports with Vietnam offering the cheapest average rates at CHF2/kg.
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