Published in News
US Meat Comes to Switzerland — But Not to Supermarkets
American meat is entering Switzerland under a new trade deal, but only restaurants are buying it, not supermarkets.
Martina Osmak
Director of Marketing
A new trade rule, a limited change
A recent customs agreement between Switzerland and the United States has made it easier to import meat from the US.
Since the rule started in mid-December, small amounts of American beef and bison have already arrived in Switzerland.
According to early customs data, about 20 tonnes of beef and just over 2 tonnes of bison were imported before the end of the year. No chicken was brought in.
Supermarkets say no
Big Swiss supermarket chains do not want to sell US meat.
Migros and Coop say Swiss meat is their top priority.
Lidl and Aldi have also ruled it out.
Their main reasons are clear: support local farmers, keep familiar standards, and avoid customer concern about how animals are raised in the US.
Restaurants are more open
The situation is different in the catering business.
Some food suppliers for restaurants are already importing American meat:
GVFI has brought in US beef and bison.
Transgourmet/Prodega is also active in this area.
Carnadis is thinking about selling US bison burgers.
Restaurant suppliers say there is interest, especially from businesses that want new or “American-style” products.
Concerns about farming methods
Some US farming practices are not allowed in Switzerland. For example, growth hormones are banned in Swiss cattle farming.
This makes some consumers cautious about American meat.
Supporters argue that safety checks are done and that some methods, like chlorine-washed chicken, leave no harmful residue in the meat.
What customers must be told
Swiss rules are strict for restaurants:
Restaurants must say where meat and fish come from.
They must also say if hormones or growth promoters were used.
However, this information does not always have to be printed directly on the menu, according to GastroSuisse.
What this means
For now, shoppers will not see US meat in Swiss supermarkets.
But people eating out may start to notice American beef or bison on restaurant plates — clearly labeled, but quietly introduced.