Finding your way around Swiss food labels: what you need to know

More and more shop shelves are displaying promising labels: organic, sustainable, local, fair trade... But what do they really mean? And above all, how can you find your way around all the labels available in Switzerland? Here's a clear guide to help you understand what you're buying - and make choices that suit you.

Why so many labels?

As consumer habits have evolved, expectations in terms of quality, the environment and animal welfare have risen sharply. As a result, producers and distributors have adopted numerous quality labels, each with its own requirements. These labels enable consumers to choose more ethical, healthy or environmentally-friendly products.

But beware: not all labels are created equal. Some are very strict, others much more flexible. Here are the main food labels in Switzerland, with their differences.

1. Bio Suisse (Bud) 🌱

The best-known organic label in Switzerland. Managed by the Bio Suisse federation, this label is stricter than the EU organic label. It guarantees:

• 100% organic production (no compromises),
• A ban on GMOs,
• Practices that promote biodiversity,
• Respect for animal welfare (outdoor areas, no intensive farming),
• Swiss origin of labelled products (except for certain clearly identified exotic products).

The Bud label is recognised for its high level of reliability and strict traceability.

2. Knospe Bio (European label + Bud) 🇪🇺🌿

In Switzerland, organic products must also comply with the European organic label (green starred leaf). However, this label is less strict than Bio Suisse:

• It allows up to 5% non-organic ingredients in processed products,
• Animal welfare requirements are less stringent,
• Products can be imported from abroad without major constraints.

That's why many Swiss consumers prefer Bud whenever possible.

3. Demeter ✨

Demeter is an organic label that is even more demanding than Bio Suisse. It is based on the principles of biodynamic agriculture, an agricultural trend based on respect for natural cycles, farm autonomy and the use of natural preparations (such as plant or mineral extracts).

With Demeter:

• The use of external inputs is kept to a strict minimum,
• Food processing is gentle and respectful (no artificial flavourings or unnecessary additives),
• Farms must form a balanced ecosystem.

This label is less common, but much sought-after for its exceptional quality.

4. IP-Suisse 🐞

Not an organic label, but one that guarantees sustainable, environmentally-friendly agriculture. IP-Suisse stands for Integrated Production:

• Reduction of chemical inputs (pesticides, fertilisers),
• Preservation of biodiversity,
• Respect for animal welfare (outdoor space for cattle, better feed),
• Support for traditional farming practices.

The logo is recognisable by the ladybird. It's a good compromise between conventional production and respect for nature.

5. TerraSuisse 🌾

Often found at Migros, this label guarantees that products come from Swiss farms committed to ecological and sustainable farming, in collaboration with IP-Suisse.

• The aim is to produce locally while respecting natural resources.
• It applies to meat, cereals, dairy products, fruit and vegetables.

6. Fairtrade Max Havelaar 🌍

This label mainly concerns exotic products (coffee, chocolate, bananas, etc.) not grown in Switzerland. It guarantees

• A fair price paid to producers in the South,
• Respect for social and labour rights,
• Support for community projects,
• Sometimes also environmental criteria (particularly for the Fairtrade Bio label).

This is an important label for ethically imported products.

So which label should you choose?

It all depends on your priorities:

• For 100% Swiss organic produce, demand the Bud label.
• If you want to go even further, Demeter is the ultimate reference.
• For sustainable but non-organic products, IP-Suisse and TerraSuisse are good choices.
• To support producers in the South, Fairtrade is a must.

Tip: many products have more than one label (e.g. Bio Suisse + Fairtrade), which guarantees high standards at every level.