Wheat and meslin flour and cereals market in Switzerland

Earlier Report Observations

The Swiss market for wheat and meslin flour and cereals showed gradual growth from 477 thousand tons in 2018 to 499 thousand tons in 2020, followed by a contraction to 475 thousand tons in 2021.

A sharp market expansion to 554 thousand tons occurred in 2022, driven primarily by a significantly poor domestic harvest of bread grains due to cold and wet weather. This shortfall led the Federal Council to raise the tariff quota for bread cereals by 60,000 tons to secure supply, while Bio Suisse temporarily allowed imports of 20% European wheat for organic flour labeled with its Bourgeon standard. Global disruptions, including the war in Ukraine, put upward pressure on international wheat prices, though Swiss tariff protection helped cushion the domestic market.

In 2023, the market volume eased slightly to 538 thousand tons, remaining elevated as the increased import quotas continued to offset the previous year's harvest deficit. The market saw the launch of local initiatives like the Moulin Neuf store promoting flour from regionally grown cereals. For 2024, factors point to a further decline in the bread wheat harvest due to unfavorable weather and reduced planted area, which may influence future market conditions.

Production wheat and meslin flour and cereals in Switzerland

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2017-2020

Switzerland's production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 496.1 thousand tons, marking a modest 3.1% rise from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 3.7%, which translates to an average annual increase of 1.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 476.0 thousand tons, with the largest decline that year at 0.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of decline, Switzerland's production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals in monetary terms has rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 394.9 million US dollars, up 5.3% from the prior year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 4.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.7%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 375.1 million US dollars, and the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 6.6% decline.

Annual dynamics of production in Switzerland in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports wheat and meslin flour and cereals from Switzerland

Exports in kind, t

Switzerland's exports of wheat and meslin flour and cereals have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 14 272 tons, an 18.4% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 63.5%, averaging a robust 17.8% annual growth rate.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Austria and France together accounted for 96.0% of Switzerland's total exports in kind. Other countries made up the remaining share, forming a diverse but less significant portion of the export market.

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

Switzerland's exports of wheat and meslin flour and cereals in value terms have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 11 361 thousand US dollars, a substantial 20.9% year-on-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, export value rose by 49.8%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 14.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria dominated Switzerland's export structure in value terms, accounting for 75.7% of total flows. Other destinations contributed relatively small shares to the overall 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 wheat and meslin flour and cereals to Switzerland

Imports in kind, t

Switzerland's imports of wheat and meslin flour and cereals have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 17 004 tons, up 26.8% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 33.9%, with an average annual increase of 10.2%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 12 295 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 3.2% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and Italy were the primary suppliers of wheat and meslin flour and cereals to Switzerland, together representing 85.1% of total imports in kind. Other sources each held relatively minor shares in the import market.

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 wheat and meslin flour and cereals in monetary terms have expanded for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 10 832 thousand US dollars, a dramatic 31.9% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 55.8%, averaging a 15.9% annual growth rate.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Germany and Italy were the main sources for Switzerland's imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 81.0% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

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