How Switzerland Became the World’s Second-Largest Coffee Exporter

Switzerland has become one of the most surprising leaders in the global coffee export market, despite not producing a single coffee bean due to its climate. Today, it ranks as the second-largest coffee exporter in the world, only behind Brazil.

The success is driven not by cultivation, but by high-value processing and re-exporting. Green coffee beans are imported into Switzerland at relatively low prices and then transformed into premium roasted products for global markets. According to research from the University of St. Gallen, raw coffee beans are imported at around $5 per kilogram, while processed exports can reach up to $26.80 per kilogram.

This massive value addition has made coffee Switzerland’s most important agricultural export, even surpassing traditional Swiss products such as cheese and chocolate in total export share.

A major contributor to this industry is global food and beverage giant Nestlé, which has built a strong global coffee ecosystem through brands like Nespresso and Nescafé. Switzerland has also become a key hub for trading, roasting, packaging, and distribution of coffee to international markets.

Experts say Switzerland’s success lies in its strong logistics infrastructure, political stability, financial systems, and high-tech food processing capabilities. These advantages allow companies to import raw materials, add value through advanced processing, and re-export finished goods efficiently.

However, the story of Swiss coffee dominance also has a complex side. While Switzerland profits significantly from coffee trading, most coffee is grown in developing countries where farmers often receive only a small portion of the final retail value. This global imbalance has sparked ongoing discussions about fairness in the coffee supply chain.

Today, Switzerland’s coffee industry stands as a powerful example of how a country can dominate global trade not through raw production, but through innovation, branding, and value-added processing.

Nestlé Confirms Nespresso Production Will Stay in Switzerland.

Nestlé has confirmed that it will continue producing Nespresso capsules in Switzerland despite growing concerns over United States import tariffs.

Speaking to CH Media, Nestlé CEO Philipp Navratil stated that the company has no plans to move Nespresso capsule production outside Switzerland.

Nestlé, headquartered in Vevey, is currently reviewing options related to possible reimbursement of US customs duties. However, the company stressed that relocating manufacturing operations is not under consideration.

Navratil explained that Nestlé remains focused on long-term business stability and adapting to changing global market conditions rather than reacting to short-term political pressures.

Commenting on tariffs and trade barriers, he emphasized that the company continues to invest despite the additional costs created by international trade tensions.

The decision is seen as a positive signal for Switzerland’s manufacturing sector and workforce, particularly as global companies increasingly review supply chains and production locations due to economic uncertainty.

Nespresso remains one of Nestlé’s most recognized premium brands worldwide, and Switzerland continues to play a central role in the company’s coffee production and innovation strategy.

Industry observers note that maintaining production in Switzerland also reinforces the premium image and “Swiss-made” identity associated with Nespresso products globally.