Swiss chocolate market boosted by increased exports
increased exports in 2005, even as domestic sales struggled.
Switzerland's stagnant domestic market follows the trend in Germany, Belgium and France, where chocolate sales were also stagnant.
Swiss sales for 2005 reached CHF 1.47 billion (€930m), an increase of 7.5 per cent on 2004's figure, according to Chocosuisse the union of Swiss chocolate manufacturers.
Export sales were worth CHF 663 million (€ 426m), an increase of 20.4 per cent.
Meanwhile domestic sales dipped 1.3 per cent to CHF 803 million (€516m).
Lower than expected domestic figures are being attributed to a moderate consumer climate and a struggling tourism industry that's one of chocolates biggest contributors.
Looking forward into 2006 Chocosuisse said it hoped for a continuation of Swiss chocolates success abroad.
On the domestic front a resurgence of the Swiss economy and with it improved tourist activity were predicted.
Overall volumes sales rose 8.2 per cent to 160,424 tonnes.
Export sales represent 57 per cent of total volume sales and increased to 91,344 tonnes in 2005, a rise of 16.6 per cent.
Germany imported the most Swiss chocolate, accounting for 19 per cent of exports, whilst France took 13 per cent and the UK 10 per cent.
Domestically sales volumes decreased.
Volume sales were 68,979 tonnes, down 1.2 per cent.
The organisation said Swiss consumption for last year was 11.6 kg per capita.
Chocosuisse represents 18 of Switzerland's chocolate manufacturers and is based in Bern.
The Federal Association of the German Confectionery Industry recently announced 2005 chocolate sales as increasing only 0.3 per cent.
