Lard and poultry fats market in Switzerland

Earlier Report Observations

The Swiss market for lard and poultry fats expanded from 10 340 t in 2018 to a peak of 13 563 t in 2021. This growth coincided with heightened demand for pork, reflected in a rising price index, and a significant 52% surge in pork imports in 2019 to meet demand for specific cuts. As fat is a by-product of meat processing, increased import volumes directly contributed to the larger market size. Furthermore, rising consumer demand for poultry meat during this period suggested an expansion in poultry processing, supporting the supply of poultry fats.

Market volume declined to 12 811 t in 2022 and further to 10 717 t in 2023. This downturn was driven by a domestic oversupply of pigs, which led to higher exports of live animals and a corresponding reduction in pork imports. The global pork cycle directly influenced the Swiss market, altering the balance between domestic production and imported fats. Partnerships aimed at developing innovative animal health and nutrition products for pigs and poultry were initiated, focusing on sector efficiency rather than immediate market expansion.

In 2024, imports of lard and poultry fats rose to 4 291 t, indicating continued reliance on foreign supply to meet demand. The Federal Office for Agriculture adjusted regulations for cattle assessment and classification, effective from March 2026, while market relief measures were planned for 2025 to address slaughter pig overproduction, highlighting ongoing structural adjustments in the related meat sector.

Production lard and poultry fats in Switzerland

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lard and poultry fats, 2017-2020

World map of production of lard and poultry fats, 2017-2020

After two years of decline, Switzerland's production of lard and poultry fats increased. In 2020, the country produced 7 277 tonnes, marking a 1.7% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 7 155 tonnes, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Switzerland in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports lard and poultry fats from Switzerland

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 11 tonnes and peaked in 2017, with a 19-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Switzerland's export volume of lard and poultry fats amounted to 105 tonnes, representing a dramatic increase of 355.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 94.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Switzerland in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, France, China, and Italy were the largest contributors to Switzerland's exports of lard and poultry fats in volume terms. France accounted for 54.5% of exports, China for 23.2%, and Italy for 10.1%. Together, these three countries represented 87.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Switzerland in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed signs of volatility during the observed period. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with an 11.9-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2018. In 2020, foreign supplies of lard and poultry fats from Switzerland totalled 134 thousand US dollars, showing an intense increase of 409.6% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 19 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 91.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Switzerland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, France, China, and Italy remained the principal buyers of lard and poultry fats from Switzerland in value terms. France accounted for 47.6% of exports, China for 24.3%, and Italy for 11.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented 83.8% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Switzerland in value, 2017-2020

Imports lard and poultry fats to Switzerland

Imports in kind, t

Switzerland's imports of lard and poultry fats increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 4 724 tonnes, which is 0.9% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 63.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 17.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Switzerland in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Poland formed the main cluster of markets for Switzerland's imports of lard and poultry fats in volume terms. Germany accounted for 48.3% of imports, France for 24.3%, and Poland for 17.8%. Together, these three countries represented 90.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Switzerland in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Switzerland's imports of lard and poultry fats increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 4 691 thousand US dollars worth of these products, which is 25.4% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 71.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 19.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Switzerland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, France, and Poland led the structure of Switzerland's imports of lard and poultry fats in value terms. Germany accounted for 43.3% of imports, France for 29.5%, and Poland for 15.9%. Together, these three countries represented 88.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Switzerland in value, 2017-2020