Dairy Industry in Switzerland

Switzerland is renowned for its high-quality dairy products, which result from a blend of rich traditions and modern innovations. The Swiss dairy industry maintains a strong global reputation, backed by substantial milk production and processing capabilities.

Dairy Cattle and Milk Production

The Swiss dairy sector is supported by approximately 550,000 dairy cattle, which collectively produce around 3.6 million tonnes of milk each year. This robust level of production highlights the industry's strength and sustainability.

Milk Processing and Cheese Production

Each year, the Swiss milk processing industry handles about 3.4 million tonnes of milk. A significant portion of this is dedicated to cheese production, with Switzerland producing approximately 190,000 tonnes of cheese annually. Swiss cheese varieties, such as Gruyère and Emmental, are acclaimed worldwide for their quality and taste.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

The production of milk powder and whey is also a critical component of Switzerland's dairy industry, with annual outputs estimated at 60,000 tonnes and 45,000 tonnes, respectively. These products are crucial for Switzerland's export markets.

Key Dairy Enterprises

Emmi AG: A leader in milk processing and production.
Laiteries Réunies Genève: Renowned for outstanding dairy products.
Gruyère SA: Known for high-quality Gruyère cheese.
Buchs Käse AG: Specializes in cheese processing and production.

Notable Dairy Farms

Alp Milking: Known for traditional milking practices.
Bio Suisse Dairy Farm: Innovators in organic dairy farming.
Schwandenhof: Focuses on producing quality milk.
Theresenhof Dairy Farm: Specializes in cattle breeding and milk production.

Export and Import of Dairy Products

Switzerland exports approximately 120,000 tonnes of dairy products annually while importing about 150,000 tonnes to fulfill domestic demand. This balance helps Switzerland maintain its market presence and satisfy local consumption needs.

Significant Events in the Dairy Industry

In 2023, new regulations were introduced to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon emissions in dairy farming.
In 2022, Emmi AG expanded its export operations to Asia and North America.
In 2021, the government initiated subsidies to boost organic dairy farming.
Starting in 2026, Switzerland will require food labels indicating animal suffering, aimed at enhancing consumer transparency and ethical practices.
Le Gruyère AOP was crowned as the world's best cheese at the World Cheese Awards in Norway.

Academic Contributions and Industry Challenges

Prof. Tilo Hühn from ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences contributes significantly to the fields of Life Sciences and Facility Management. Despite a vibrant market, challenges such as import tariffs, supply chain constraints, and price pressures affect imports from Switzerland. The Swiss government's commitment to supporting Indonesia's dairy sector through digital transformation and financial inclusion highlights its international cooperation efforts. Cooperation with Ukraine in the development of the dairy sector has been ongoing for a decade, including the implementation of the Raw Milk Control Program. Switzerland also stood as a finalist in the IDF World Dairy Summit 2025 and presented the 'Don’t Just Play, Engage with Dairy' campaign.

Modified: 2025/11/01