Dairy Industry in Switzerland

Switzerland is globally recognized for its exemplary dairy products, playing a significant role in the international dairy market. The country's dairy sector is both advanced and well-regulated, combining a rich heritage with continuous innovation.

Dairy Cattle and Milk Production

Switzerland is home to approximately 550,000 dairy cattle, underpinning a sustainable and efficient dairy production system. The nation produces around 3.6 million tonnes of milk annually, showcasing the vitality of its dairy industry.

Milk Processing and Cheese Production

The milk processing industry in Switzerland is highly developed, handling about 3.4 million tonnes of milk each year. Cheese production is particularly noteworthy, with approximately 190,000 tonnes of cheese being produced annually. The country is celebrated for its cheeses like Gruyère and Emmental.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

Besides dairy and cheese outputs, Switzerland produces approximately 60,000 tonnes of milk powder and 45,000 tonnes of whey annually, crucial for its export market.

Key Dairy Enterprises

• Emmi AG: A leader in Swiss milk processing and production.
• Laiteries Réunies Genève: Renowned for exceptional dairy products.
• Gruyère SA: Known globally for superior Gruyère cheese.
• Buchs Käse AG: Specializes in cheese processing and production.

Notable Dairy Farms

• Alp Milking: Esteemed for traditional milking methods.
• Bio Suisse Dairy Farm: Pioneers in organic dairy farming.
• Schwandenhof: Focuses on producing high-quality milk.
• Theresenhof Dairy Farm: Specializes in cattle breeding and milk production.

Export and Import of Dairy Products

Switzerland plays a significant role in global dairy trade, exporting about 120,000 tonnes of dairy products each year, while importing around 150,000 tonnes, meeting diverse domestic demands.

Significant Events in the Dairy Industry

• 2023: Implementation of new regulations to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon footprints in dairy farming.
• 2022: Emmi AG expanded export operations with new agreements in Asian and North American markets.
• 2021: Government subsidies were initiated to boost organic dairy farming, propelling sector growth.

Further developments involved Switzerland being a key source for dairy imports in various regions, including Ukraine. The introduction of Bovaer by the Dutch-Swiss company DSM highlights sustainability in dairy production. Additionally, top graduates received international exposure through apprenticeships at Nestlé. The Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley event in Bern brought together over 60 stakeholders.

Modified: 2025/02/05

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