Onions and shallots market in Switzerland

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh onions and shallots in Switzerland showed notable variability from 2018 to 2021. After a period of relative stability, market volume contracted in 2019 before expanding again in 2020. A significant decline followed in 2021, coinciding with the traditional Bern Zibelemärit onion market operating under strict pandemic measures, which reduced the number of stalls and limited sales activity, thereby constraining a key local distribution channel.

Market volume surged in 2022 following the implementation of the Agricultural Policy AP22+, which allocated substantial funding to improve farm profitability and market conditions. This was complemented by improved storage techniques for shallots, extending their shelf life and availability. The trend reversed sharply in 2023 when unfavorable weather conditions, including summer heat and heavy autumn rains, damaged crops and reduced the national harvest by an estimated 30%, leading to a corresponding drop in market supply.

Production onions and shallots in Switzerland

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

World map of production of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

Switzerland produced 46 540 tonnes of onions and shallots in 2020, marking an 8.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 18.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 5.9% drop, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, at 16.2%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Switzerland

Exports in kind, t

Onions and shallots exports from Switzerland have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Switzerland exported 81 tonnes of onions and shallots, representing a 9.5% year-on-year rise. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 699.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 100.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France and the Netherlands together accounted for 87.0% of total exports in volume, with the remaining flows distributed thinly across other markets.

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 showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Onions and shallots exports from Switzerland reached their lowest point in 2018 at 25 000 US dollars, then peaked in 2020 at 71 000 US dollars, representing a 2.8-fold difference. In 2020, exports amounted to 71 000 US dollars, a 27.8% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 8.0%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a 119.5% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France and the Netherlands together represented 84.1% of total exports in value terms, with other countries forming a diversified but less significant portion.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Switzerland

Imports in kind, t

Onions and shallots imports into Switzerland have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Switzerland imported 6 000 tonnes of onions and shallots, showing a 6.1% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 86.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 23.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (27.7% of imports in volume), France (24.5% of imports in volume), and Italy (18.2% of imports in volume) formed the core group of markets for imports, together representing 70.4% of total 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

After two years of gains, Switzerland's onions and shallots imports declined. In 2020, imports reached 10 995 000 US dollars, showing a limited decrease of 3.6% year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 62.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 17.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 11 406 000 US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 50.8%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Italy (32.2% of imports in value terms), France (29.5% of imports in value terms), and the Netherlands (12.4% of imports in value terms) accounted for the largest share of imports, together comprising 74.1% of total flows.

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

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