Switzerland is celebrated for its stunning landscapes. In addition to its beauty, visitors actively will seek out their luxury watches like Rolex, exquisite chocolate like Läderach, high-quality cosmetics, health products, and fashion brands like Bally and On shoes.
Out of the 7 million Asian visitors to Switzerland (data Sept’24), over one million overnight stays are Chinese visitors. Compare to 2023, Chinese tourists increased by 170% (as per itehk.com).
Tourists love to shop and dine when they are in foreign land and here are the top five Swiss products that tourists will buy:
- Luxury watches
- Fashion accessories
- Chocolate
- Souvenirs crafts
- Health products
Vollenweider Chocolatier
During my recent visit to Switzerland, I discovered some hidden gems introduced to me by the locals. Despite their high quality, these Swiss products are sold quietly throughout the country.
A local recommended to me this 80-year-old chocolatier, who claimed that it is better than the big brands. I received a lovely box of chocolates, and as a chocolate lover, I must agree that it is exceptionally fine chocolate. If you are looking for quality chocolate, make sure to include Vollenweider on your list.
I asked Mr. Gregor Vollenweider, who now runs the business alongside his sister and mother, what makes it such a sustainable brand after two generations. He answered, “innovating, always changing with new product creation, packaging and new ways… the goal is to produce the highest quality product.” Three months before Easter, he begins producing bunny-shaped chocolates as part of the family tradition. He uses a 100-year-old mold that his grand father passed on to his father. This is truly a chocolatier that produces with heart. The love for chocolate from the Vollenweider family embodies this sentiment.
Kueng Kaffee – over 100-year-old Roastery
As a coffee drinker, nothing is like a good cup of coffee first thing in the morning with a perfect micro-foam combines with awakening coffee fragrance.
After tasting Kueng coffee with other enthusiasts, they all agreed that it appealed to their palates. This cherished coffee roastery in Winterthur has been in business since 1920 and is now proudly managed by the fourth generation. Only those who truly understand coffee can excel at this craft. Kueng remain in quality and prefers to keep the operations small and manageable within the canton.
Beyond just serving great coffee, Kueng is passionate about sharing their knowledge with the community through engaging workshops on brewing techniques and tasting sessions. This heartfelt approach enriches the coffee experience and deepens the appreciation for this beloved beverage. With Kueng Kaffee, you’re not just enjoying a cup of coffee; you’re becoming part of a story that spans generations, filled with love for the craft and a commitment to quality that resonates with every sip.
SOGLIO – Indulge in nature
During my visit to the Theme bath at Bad Ragaz Grand Resort, I encountered SOGLIO, one of the products used there. The herbal fragrance appeals to users who appreciate relaxation. What truly impressed me was hearing a loyal user praised the products three times, emphasising their exceptional quality.
As I dug deeper, I discovered that SOGLIO Produkte is a unique brand dedicated to using locally sourced natural herbs in its production. Ivo Ermatinger emphasises maintaining the quality of SOGLIO Produkte, while ensuring sustainable raw material selection. Notably, all rare materials are sourced from the village of SOGLIO, which enables the brand to support the local community and maintain better control over product quality.
When you are visit the village of SOGLIO, its slow living will draw you in, helping you to destress and rejuvenate. Let this Swiss Alps product carries you to another level of tranquillity and relaxation.
Nooii – a truly organic skincare
For a dash of sophistication, consider Nooii, a truly organic home-grown skincare line that one should not miss. The founder, Daniela Schweingruber emphasises on quality ingredients and proper concoction. She believes in true organic composition to ensure clean elements enter our blood stream through skincare.
Daniela began creating her own products in her small studio. As demand for her line grew quickly, she decided to start mass-production. Nevertheless, she remains committed to ensuring that the quality of the ingredient is never compromised.
If you are in Zurich, do pick up a bottle of ‘Concentrate’ – a smoothing potion for women during hormonal changes period. The other is their serum that penetrates into deep layer under the skin to heal and moisturise.
I used to think that organic product cannot be ‘fragranced’. I was wrong. One can use organic essence and Nooii has chosen one that gives its line a smoothing scent and elegant touch.
Why are these brands worth mentioning?
These home-grown brands shared several key characters. First, the owners prioritise quality over quantity and continuously adapt and innovate. Additionally, sustainability plays a significant role in their production process, reflecting their commitment to ethical practices. SOGLIO Produkte’s community exemplifies this community commitment, which is truly admirable. Furthermore, these brands have successfully carried their legacies through generations, with the exception of Nooii, facing various market challenges.
These days, a new generation of consumers travels extensively and no longer shop exclusively for well-known brands. Instead, they appreciate homegrown creations. Given the present economy situation, homegrown brands can thrive in Switzerland and the regional market without needing to expand into Asia just yet. With the right online presence they can effectively attract Asian tourists to their doorstep. But how can they achieve this cost-effectively? The answer lies on enabling presence at the right locations. Check out our article on cross-border marketing for more insights.
What are your thoughts on homegrown businesses? Do you agree that small can be big?
