Switzerland has the most expensive meat in Europe – with steaks and pork chops costing almost one and a half times more than the European average, statistics show.
Luxemburg and Austria have the most expensive meat with in the European Union, with prices in 2017 being around 40% over the European average. In non-EU Switzerland the difference (when adjusted for purchasing power) was 143%, according to the European statistics portal EurostatExternal link, which highlighted the numbers because of it being BBQ season.
An article published by swissinfo.ch earlier this year found that the high cost of living does not fully explain why meat prices are so high in Switzerland. There are high production costs, as well as cultural reasons, such as the environmentally friendly and sustainable methods used.
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Getting your teeth into Swiss meat prices
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Why is Swiss meat among the most expensive in the world? Farmers, consumer groups and industry experts all have their opinions.
Other non-EU countries are also expensive: in Iceland and Norway you pay 72% and 53% over the average respectively.
The cheapest places to by meat are Poland and Bulgaria, where prices are around 40% less than the EU average.
Trend towards less meat
Overall, people in Switzerland are eating less and less meat. In 2017, 50.1 kilogrammes of meat was eaten per person – in 1996 it was 53.6kg. The record high was in 1987 at 60.5kg. In comparison, In Germany people eat 60kg per person on average and in Austria, almost 100kg.
Experts have speculatedExternal link that a change in consumer habits, such as the trend towards healthy eating, the rise in vegan and other types of cuisine, and consideration of environmental issues, may account for people turning away from meat.
Swiss justice minister hopes EU reform will reduce irregular migration
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The European Union’s (EU) New Pact on Migration and Asylum aims to curb irregular migration within Schengen, Justice Minister Beat Jans said on Tuesday.
Swiss electricity supply outlook positive despite uncertainties
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Thanks to well-filled gas stores in Europe and increased availability of French nuclear power, the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission is optimistic.
Finance minister wants Swiss banks to hold more equity
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Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter has repeated calls for banks and their holdings in subsidiaries abroad to hold more equity.
Telecoms sector kept Swiss competitions regulator busy in 2023
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Last year, the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) conducted 27 investigations and initiated 17 preliminary investigations.
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Although Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) achieved higher revenue at the start of the year, it suffered a dip in profits.
40,000 signatures against animal testing in Switzerland
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Switzerland should do away with “restrictive” animal testing and should become a model for innovative, effective, and pain-free scientific research.
More than 45,000 signatures in favour of federal funding for UNRWA
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The Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives (FAC) is expected to decide on the funding of the UNRWA at the beginning of the week.
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At the end of January 2024, 6,881 men and women were behind bars in Switzerland. Almost 95% of all places were occupied, the highest number since 2014.
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There’s no denying that Switzerland is pricey, but there are bargains to be had. We’ve crowdsourced some tips from our Facebook community.
What to do about Switzerland’s eye-watering prices?
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Switzerland remains in a price league of its own, driving thrifty shoppers over its borders. Politicians and consumer groups are now demanding action.
Meet the man trying to make Switzerland less expensive
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Switzerland has an official price watchdog – someone who fights unfair prices that hurt consumers. Where does he see potential for savings?
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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.