Agribusiness

Explainations of how food gets onto plates via large companies, including responsible sourcing of raw materials, labour rights, food safety and quality.

Why bird flu could threaten traditional Swiss cheeses

This content was published on Aug 22, 2025 Switzerland’s cows have dodged the global H5N1 bird flu so far. But if it hits dairy herds, the country’s iconic cheeses could be at risk.

Food supply chains

Why bird flu could threaten traditional Swiss cheeses

This content was published on Aug 22, 2025 Switzerland’s cows have dodged the global H5N1 bird flu so far. But if it hits dairy herds, the country’s iconic cheeses could be at risk.

US consumers will pay price for tariff hike, warns top Swiss trader

This content was published on Jul 26, 2025 Global competition is on the rise and some low value-added activities have already left Switzerland, warns Sébastien Landerretche.

Does your country have enough food reserves to withstand a crisis?

This content was published on Jul 14, 2025 Despite the increasing risks of war, unpredictable weather and economic shocks to food security, only 30 countries are actively using grain reserves. Switzerland is one of them.

Child labour risks in chocolate supply chains go beyond just cocoa

This content was published on Jun 18, 2025 While cocoa gets the most attention from the chocolate industry when it comes to eliminating child labour, other ingredients like sugar, nuts or vanilla are also high risk.

A limited edition of 500 bars of Lindt's Dubai chocolate went on sale at the Lindt Museum in Kilchberg on November 16, 2024.

Dubai chocolate trend leaves Swiss chocolatiers competing for pistachios

This content was published on Jun 12, 2025 The TikTok-fuelled popularity of Dubai chocolate has prompted Swiss chocolate companies to develop their own versions, spiking demand for pistachios.

Swiss food labels must declare animal suffering from July

This content was published on Jun 4, 2025 From July 1, food labels in Switzerland will have to disclose whether products of animal origin involve painful practices. The Swiss federal government has approved a series of ordinances requiring the labelling of meat, eggs and foie gras.

Selling Swiss cheese: ‘The main problem with the US today is uncertainty’

This content was published on May 31, 2025 Planned customs hikes are prompting US importers of Swiss cheese to adopt a wait-and-see approach, says Philippe Bardet.

Egg shortages force food industry to think outside the coop

This content was published on Apr 9, 2025 Culling of chickens due to bird flu and increasing demand has led to a spike in egg prices and given vegan alternatives something to crow about.

The vanilla connection – from Madagascar fields to Swiss flavors

This content was published on Apr 8, 2025 Why is vanilla so expensive? Our documentary follows the volatile journey of vanilla from the lush fields of Madagascar to Switzerland.

‘Hero is perceived as a Swiss brand … only in Switzerland’

This content was published on Jan 26, 2025 Hero Group is known for its small jams found on breakfast tables in hotels. CEO Rob Versloot talks about being Swiss and downsizing its portfolio to remain competitive.

Lab-grown cocoa is coming soon – from Switzerland

This content was published on Dec 24, 2024 Chocolate made in the lab is exciting for the food industry but it raises ethical, cultural and environmental questions.

Food safety

Why bird flu could threaten traditional Swiss cheeses

This content was published on Aug 22, 2025 Switzerland’s cows have dodged the global H5N1 bird flu so far. But if it hits dairy herds, the country’s iconic cheeses could be at risk.

family Waser produces "Niederbauer" alpine cheese

Are EU inspectors headed for Swiss farms?

This content was published on Aug 7, 2025 A new food agreement with the EU opens up export opportunities for Swiss agriculture – but it also sets some alarm bells ringing for farmers.

Does your country have enough food reserves to withstand a crisis?

Vegan sausages at a supermarket in Switzerland.

Swiss court bans animal names for vegan meat substitutes

This content was published on May 5, 2025 Plant-based meat alternatives must no longer use names directly referencing animals, such as ‘vegan chicken’ or ‘vegan pork’.

Opinion

How regenerative farming and AI can drive sustainable agriculture

This content was published on Jan 8, 2025 Can regenerative farming and artificial intelligence help us resolve the contradiction between sustainable and productive agriculture?

Raw milk: regulatory loophole gives Swiss the freedom to skip pasteurisation

This content was published on Oct 8, 2024 The sale of raw milk is banned in some parts of the world but Switzerland counts on labelling and personal responsibility.

Cosmetic pesticides are making it to your apple. Is that a bad thing?

This content was published on Sep 12, 2024 Plant growth hormones are widely used in fruit cultivation to give consumers uniform, blemish-free products. But with little published research, the risks are as yet unknown.

Swiss farms make space for beans and lentils

This content was published on Jul 22, 2024 Plant breeders, scientists and farmers in Zurich’s countryside try to make the case for legume cultivation.

A hand wearing a rubber glove holding a gauge for testing for listeria.

Consumers are still buying food which makes them sick. How come?

This content was published on Nov 11, 2023 One in ten people in the world falls ill after eating contaminated food, and 420,000 die every year. Are governments and companies doing enough?

Artificial sweeteners: when ‘zero’ is not the way to go

This content was published on Jul 22, 2023 With the World Health Organization (WHO) counselling against the use of artificial sweeteners, what options are left on the table?

Are EU inspectors headed for Swiss farms?

This content was published on Aug 7, 2025 A new food agreement with the EU opens up export opportunities for Swiss agriculture – but it also sets some alarm bells ringing for farmers.

US consumers will pay price for tariff hike, warns top Swiss trader

This content was published on Jul 26, 2025 Global competition is on the rise and some low value-added activities have already left Switzerland, warns Sébastien Landerretche.

Have you experienced food shortages or food price spikes in your country recently?

The rise in conflicts, unpredictable weather and economic shocks have made food supply chains more vulnerable to disruption.

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Jul 14, 2025

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Does your country have enough food reserves to withstand a crisis?

Journalist Anand Chandrasekhar sitting at a table, holding up a picture of a chocolate bar.

Truth or tale: is Swiss chocolate tainted by child labour?

This content was published on Jul 7, 2025 A reader asked if it was true that children are involved in cocoa production for the Swiss chocolate industry. Swissinfo tried to get to the bottom of this complex issue.

How important are common resources in today’s world?

In a globalised world, are collectively-managed land or resources – so-called commons – still relevant?

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Jun 20, 2025

6 Comments

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Elinor Ostrom receives the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden

The Swiss mountain village that inspired a Nobel Prize and digital governance

This content was published on Jun 20, 2025 A small Swiss mountain village has become the focus of scientific attention thanks to Nobel Prize winner Elinor Ostrom.

Child labour risks in chocolate supply chains go beyond just cocoa

Dubai chocolate trend leaves Swiss chocolatiers competing for pistachios

This content was published on Jun 12, 2025 The TikTok-fuelled popularity of Dubai chocolate has prompted Swiss chocolate companies to develop their own versions, spiking demand for pistachios.

Swiss food labels must declare animal suffering from July

Ukraine’s once pioneering agriculture drone industry is hoping to return to the skies

This content was published on Jun 4, 2025 Restrictions due to the war have killed off growth in an industry that is hoping for a renaissance once the fighting is over.

Selling Swiss cheese: ‘The main problem with the US today is uncertainty’

This content was published on May 31, 2025 Planned customs hikes are prompting US importers of Swiss cheese to adopt a wait-and-see approach, says Philippe Bardet.

Swiss court bans animal names for vegan meat substitutes

This content was published on May 5, 2025 Plant-based meat alternatives must no longer use names directly referencing animals, such as ‘vegan chicken’ or ‘vegan pork’.

Egg shortages force food industry to think outside the coop

This content was published on Apr 9, 2025 Culling of chickens due to bird flu and increasing demand has led to a spike in egg prices and given vegan alternatives something to crow about.

The vanilla connection – from Madagascar fields to Swiss flavors

This content was published on Apr 8, 2025 Why is vanilla so expensive? Our documentary follows the volatile journey of vanilla from the lush fields of Madagascar to Switzerland.

Are food firms’ efforts to reduce cow fart emissions a lot of hot air?

This content was published on Mar 4, 2025 To reduce their carbon footprint, food companies are betting on cow feed that produces less methane. Consumers still need some convincing.

Should cows be fed additives to reduce the climate change impact of livestock farming?

Food companies are trying to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by getting suppliers to give their cows special methane-reducing feed.

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Mar 4, 2025

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8 Comments

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‘Hero is perceived as a Swiss brand … only in Switzerland’

Opinion

How regenerative farming and AI can drive sustainable agriculture

This content was published on Jan 8, 2025 Can regenerative farming and artificial intelligence help us resolve the contradiction between sustainable and productive agriculture?

Lab-grown cocoa is coming soon – from Switzerland

This content was published on Dec 24, 2024 Chocolate made in the lab is exciting for the food industry but it raises ethical, cultural and environmental questions.

Child labour is not just the chocolate industry’s problem

This content was published on Dec 11, 2024 There’s a dirty secret lurking behind the rich aroma of a morning coffee, the shine on gold jewellery, and the wafting smoke of a lit cigarette.

Should raw milk sales be banned or should consumers decide?

Swiss food regulations do not allow raw milk to be sold for direct consumption. However, a loophole allows 400 raw milk vending machines to do just that.

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Oct 8, 2024

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65 Comments

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Raw milk: regulatory loophole gives Swiss the freedom to skip pasteurisation

This content was published on Oct 8, 2024 The sale of raw milk is banned in some parts of the world but Switzerland counts on labelling and personal responsibility.

Cosmetic pesticides are making it to your apple. Is that a bad thing?

Swiss farms make space for beans and lentils

This content was published on Jul 22, 2024 Plant breeders, scientists and farmers in Zurich’s countryside try to make the case for legume cultivation.

Consumers are still buying food which makes them sick. How come?

This content was published on Nov 11, 2023 One in ten people in the world falls ill after eating contaminated food, and 420,000 die every year. Are governments and companies doing enough?

Artificial sweeteners: when ‘zero’ is not the way to go

This content was published on Jul 22, 2023 With the World Health Organization (WHO) counselling against the use of artificial sweeteners, what options are left on the table?

What work (if any) do you think is acceptable for children to do?

Let us know your views on this delicate subject.

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May 3, 2021

8 Likes

33 Comments

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Geneva hosts some 1,350 foundations, many of which receive public funding from Switzerland and other countries.

International Geneva

A Geneva-based global health foundation came close to ‘collapse’. Where were regulators?   

Swiss Politics

Will Switzerland finally do away with imputed rental-value tax on homeowners?

King Albert I enjoyed climbing in the Swiss Alps, where he went almost every year. The picture was coloured using AI by the National Museum.

History

King Albert I: the mountaineering monarch

Cooks at work in the kitchen, pictured during a look behind the scenes at Hotel Seedamm Plaza in Pfaeffikon, canton of Schwyz, Switzerland, on March 31, 2014. (KEYSTONE/Christian Beutler)

Foreign Affairs

In Switzerland four out of ten people have a migrant background – who are they?

Healthcare innovation

Can Saudi Arabia’s billions unlock the secrets to a longer, healthier life?

Does your country of residence offer an e-ID?

Switzerland is voting on a new e-ID system. Has your country of residence already introduced one? And does it make your life easier?

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Aug 15, 2025

6 Likes

11 Comments

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Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?

Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?

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Jul 21, 2025

33 Likes

24 Comments

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Are you noticing or anticipating any changes in your life as a result of the tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump?

How do you think your life could be impacted by the US tariff policy? Let us know.

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Aug 5, 2025

16 Likes

17 Comments

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Agribusiness

More

Why bird flu could threaten traditional Swiss cheeses

More

Why bird flu could threaten traditional Swiss cheeses

More

US consumers will pay price for tariff hike, warns top Swiss trader

More

Does your country have enough food reserves to withstand a crisis?

More

Child labour risks in chocolate supply chains go beyond just cocoa

More

Dubai chocolate trend leaves Swiss chocolatiers competing for pistachios

More

Swiss food labels must declare animal suffering from July

More

Selling Swiss cheese: ‘The main problem with the US today is uncertainty’

More

Egg shortages force food industry to think outside the coop

More

The vanilla connection – from Madagascar fields to Swiss flavors

More

‘Hero is perceived as a Swiss brand … only in Switzerland’

More

Lab-grown cocoa is coming soon – from Switzerland

More

Why bird flu could threaten traditional Swiss cheeses

More

Are EU inspectors headed for Swiss farms?

More

Does your country have enough food reserves to withstand a crisis?

More

Swiss court bans animal names for vegan meat substitutes

More

How regenerative farming and AI can drive sustainable agriculture

More

Raw milk: regulatory loophole gives Swiss the freedom to skip pasteurisation

More

Cosmetic pesticides are making it to your apple. Is that a bad thing?

More

Swiss farms make space for beans and lentils

More

Consumers are still buying food which makes them sick. How come?

More

Artificial sweeteners: when ‘zero’ is not the way to go

More

Are EU inspectors headed for Swiss farms?

More

US consumers will pay price for tariff hike, warns top Swiss trader

More

Have you experienced food shortages or food price spikes in your country recently?

More

Does your country have enough food reserves to withstand a crisis?

More

Truth or tale: is Swiss chocolate tainted by child labour?

More

How important are common resources in today’s world?

More

The Swiss mountain village that inspired a Nobel Prize and digital governance

More

Child labour risks in chocolate supply chains go beyond just cocoa

More

Dubai chocolate trend leaves Swiss chocolatiers competing for pistachios

More

Swiss food labels must declare animal suffering from July

More

Ukraine’s once pioneering agriculture drone industry is hoping to return to the skies

More

Selling Swiss cheese: ‘The main problem with the US today is uncertainty’

More

Swiss court bans animal names for vegan meat substitutes

More

Egg shortages force food industry to think outside the coop

More

The vanilla connection – from Madagascar fields to Swiss flavors

More

Are food firms’ efforts to reduce cow fart emissions a lot of hot air?

More

Should cows be fed additives to reduce the climate change impact of livestock farming?

More

A Geneva-based global health foundation came close to ‘collapse’. Where were regulators?   