Lidl Switzerland Sees ‘Record’ Growth In Cheese Exports In 2024

The discounter exported 4,021 tonnes of cheese in 2024, representing an increase of almost 1,000 tonnes in volume, compared to the previous year.

The top five importers of cheese from Lidl Switzerland include Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain and Hungary.

The discount retailer added that it achieved this growth despite a challenging market environment in the cheese sector.

Appenzeller, Gruyère AOP, and organic cottage cheese continued to be particularly popular in other European countries, Lidl Switzerland noted.

The company is also witnessing growth in Swiss raclette, as well as innovative high-protein products.

Export Highlights

The food retailer, once again, exported over 550 tonnes of rösti as a Swiss specialty in 2024.

It also expanded its export portfolio, shipping over 50 tonnes of Swiss salad dressings to Lidl stores in various countries and creating additional sales opportunities for Swiss producers.

Lidl Switzerland offers country-specific products during theme weeks on Italy, France, Spain, and the Balkans.

Lidl operates stores in over 31 countries across the world, with 27 of these offering Swiss products.

Sandro Renz, head of sales and marketing at Hardegger Käse AG, stated, “Hardegger Käse AG has been able to supply Lidl with a variety of Swiss cheeses and specialties for 15 years.

“Exports have been steadily expanded, and new markets have also been opened up. Lidl’s structures enable international marketing and uninterrupted export growth.”