Swiss retail news for FMCG suppliers
Updated 22 October 2026, 08:29 (Zurich time) · 2 new items today
Today
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Nine-month sales rise 5.7% as pharmacies drive growth
Galenica’s sales rose 5.7% to CHF 3’172.0 million in January–September 2026. Pharmacy sales increased 6.2%, while Products & Brands declined 7.2%. Galexis completed its ERP changeover in September, after temporary assortment restrictions slowed third-quarter wholesale growth. Galenica maintained its 2026 outlook.
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Regulatory relief advances on packaging and tax reporting
The Federal Council's report of 21 October 2026 records 16 regulatory relief measures completed and 39 under way. Planned thresholds under the new beverage packaging ordinance would exempt around 35,000 Swiss businesses from a new notification duty. A further 25,000 businesses are to gain access to annual rather than quarterly VAT reporting.
Source: State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) media release
Earlier this week
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AssortmentFour chicken products recalled over possible raw meat
foodaktuell.ch reports that Migros is recalling four chicken products as a precaution because they may contain raw chicken. The affected products are already blocked from sale. The recall covers a Caesar salad in six cooperatives and three bowls sold through the Eastern Switzerland cooperative’s Migros foodservice. A health risk cannot be ruled out.
Earlier
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People and buying
Closure of ready-to-eat producer CT remains under review
watson.ch reports that Migros is considering closing Centrale Traiteur (CT), its western Swiss producer of fresh ready-to-eat food, at the end of 2027. CT makes sandwiches, wraps, bowls and catering products. A consultation involving 57 employees has started; no closure decision has been made. The industrial bakery in Ecublens is outside the consultation.
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Consultation opens on changes to 16 food law ordinances
Switzerland opened a consultation on proposed changes to 16 food law ordinances on 13 October 2026, running until 27 January 2027. The proposals cover origin labelling for honey blends, bisphenols in food-contact materials, chemicals in toys and testing novel foods before authorisation.
Source: Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) media release
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Assortment
Three Dallmayr roasts join the Swiss CoffeeB online range
foodaktuell.ch reports that three Dallmayr roasts for CoffeeB have been available in the Swiss online shop since 12 October 2026. The coffee balls were already on sale in Germany. The smaller Pluto coffee machine is due to launch at the end of October.
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Assortment
Just Eat plans to double delivery range to 20,000 items
According to watson.ch, Just Eat plans to double its Migros range from 10,000 to 20,000 items during October 2026. Switzerland head Lukas Streich says stock levels can now be updated in real time. Expansion to further Migros cooperatives remains subject to a joint decision, with no date set.
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Wine import quota auction proposed in sector support plan
The federal economics department has outlined a support plan for the wine sector, including a proposed auction of the WTO wine import quota under the agricultural ordinance package for 2027. A consultation is expected in January 2027. The plan also envisages extending voluntary vine-removal payments and strengthening sales promotion and exports.
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Prolonged summer heat delays demand for autumn ranges
A prolonged hot summer delayed demand for autumn clothing and rain gear in September, while everyday essentials held up and drinks, ice cream and barbecue products saw strong demand. Swiss Retail Federation’s qualitative, non-representative member survey also reports smaller baskets and greater price sensitivity. The federation is calling for regulatory relief.
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AssortmentTwo alcohol-free wines added to Denner's wine assortment
Two alcohol-free wines are now part of Denner's assortment, available from 1 October 2026 in selected stores and the Denner Weinshop. The listings are Le Grand Chavin Sauvignon Blanc 0% and Le Grand Chavin Rosé 0%, from southern French producer Pierre Chavin.
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Private labelNew pet food label Max & Mila’s World launches nationwide
Lidl Schweiz has launched Max & Mila’s World with immediate effect in all Swiss stores, bringing its dog and cat food assortment under one private label. The range has three tiers: Basic, Advanced Care and Gourmet. Selected non-food products for dogs and cats will regularly supplement it through in-store promotions.
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Retail federation backs proposed duties for foreign online marketplaces
Swiss Retail Federation supports proposed registration and cooperation duties for foreign online marketplaces, a responsible person in Switzerland and a risk-based supervisory levy on direct imports. In its consultation response on two legislative revisions, the association rejects a separate Swiss digital product passport for now. The measures remain proposals.
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Store network
New store concept reaches half of Denner's own stores
With the reopening in Schaffhausen on 25 September 2026, Denner's new store concept now covers 300 stores, half of its roughly 600 company-owned locations. Converted stores feature a larger fresh offer, clearer product presentation and marked promotional areas. Denner reports higher customer traffic and sales in these stores.
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Federal plan to clear plant protection approval backlog
The Federal Council plans to clear pending plant protection product authorisation applications by 2032. Around 525 applications remain open. The plan provides for additional staff, more digital processing and better status information for applicants. Higher authorisation fees are planned from 2028 to help finance the measures.
Source: Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) media release
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New packaging rules introduce phased duties for suppliers
Switzerland’s new packaging ordinance takes effect on 1 January 2027 and covers packaging materials generally, beyond beverage packaging. Disposal fees extend to glass food and cosmetics packaging in 2028. Packaging requirements follow in 2030, with subsidiary take-back and manufacturer reporting duties starting in 2031.
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Assortment
Food rescue bags to roll out across Denner’s store network
The Denner Wundertüte will roll out from early November 2026 in greater Zurich, reaching all stores by mid-2027. Each food rescue bag will cost CHF 3.50 and contain at least 3 kg of food, including cosmetically imperfect fruit and vegetables and previous-day bread.
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Retail federation rejects AHV2030 and VAT pension funding
Swiss Retail Federation rejects the AHV2030 consultation proposal and recommends a no vote on separate VAT-based AHV financing on 29 November. The association calls for structural reforms instead of higher VAT and payroll contributions, citing additional costs for retailers and a decline in consumer spending.
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People and buying
Sales leadership passes to Alain Franz in a dual role
Alain Franz will take over Denner's sales division on 1 October 2026 while continuing to lead transformation. He succeeds Christian Staub, who is leaving at his own request and will support the handover until his departure. The dual role brings sales and transformation under one leader.
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One in ten online retailers sees AI agents as a revenue channel
The FHNW online retailer survey published on 9 September 2026 finds that 10% of respondents already consider AI-agent shopping relevant to revenue. Among the 473 online shop operators surveyed, more than half view visibility in generative AI as relevant, while almost three quarters lack an AI or agentic-commerce strategy.
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Private label
New packaging for Alesto nuts and dried fruit nationwide
Alesto nuts and dried fruit are available immediately with new packaging and revised positioning in all Lidl Schweiz stores. The relaunched range includes natural and processed nuts, nut mixes and dried fruit. The brand now emphasises quality and conscious eating, supported by an omnichannel campaign.