Switzerland

Switzerland is defined as a nation united precisely by it huge diversity and not an ethnic, religious or cultural union. Being one of the world’s richest countries .Switzerland occupies the 5th place in per capita income. It is referred as an economic wonder. The most common places of Switzerland Zurich and Geneva have been ranked as the 5th and 8th highest quality life in the world .If one wants to explore everything from art to outdoor adventures; this country is the best to visit. With snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, green valleys. Switzerland makes awe aspiring experience .The Swiss mountain range Alps have almost attained a symbolism. Many countries leave impact on people’s mind just like that Switzerland has been famous for various things among their tourists. Some of them are listed below:

4 NATIOANL LANGUAGES

Switzerland comprises of 4 national languages traditionally spoken in different regions of the country which are German in northern, central and eastern Switzerland, French in western Switzerland, Italian in southern Switzerland and Rumantsch in south eastern Switzerland. English in spite of not being the official language is still spoken as a common language .German is spoken by 64%, French about 20%, Italian by 7% and Rumantsch or Romansh is spoken by less than 1% of

the total population. Since many immigrants come to Switzerland from different countries of various cultural and linguistic backgrounds so the Swiss official languages that of French, German and Italian is spoken as a way to communicate with them.

HIKING IN SWISS ALPS

A lifetime experience that would make you goes for hiking in the beautiful Swiss Alp mountains every time you visit Switzerland. You can easily hike form hut on the Alps and will find many soaring and awe inspiring peaks in such a larger area. Hiking routes are marked with yellow signs that depict the time taken rather than mentioning about the distance covered. You may not worry about the resting arrangements as there are availability of huts and inns with smaller private rooms. Zermatt, Sass fee, Hotel Edelweiss, Beggatsthaus du trift are the worth areas of hiking. The best time to enjoy hiking is from late June to early September.

SWISS COW

Since Switzerland is a hilly country you will definitely have an interaction with cows out there in the grazing fields. One of the most rich and historic tradition regarding the cows has been the cow bells which reflected the wealth of the framers. And the size of these cowbells also considered as their status symbol which simply means the bigger the size of the bells the richer the owner is. Apart from this, these cow bells are believed to keep away the evils spirits from the pastures. Swiss cows are often known to have luxuries living in fancy barns and go on vacations after the snow melts. You can even have a tour to copy dairy farm near Chaetae D Oex. In winters you can enjoy the Martigny’s cow fights which re popular events.

Swiss Guard

This is known for protecting the Vatican and Pope, the Swiss Guard is believed to be present since the late 15th century .Since Switzerland was a poor country, and its citizens worked as Swiss mercenaries all over Europe due to insufficient amount of jobs in the home country .The Papal Swiss Guard the only existing Swiss Guard. The Guards are famous for the act of bravery during the period of Sack of Rome where most of them were killed defending clement vii. The Papal Swiss Guard is not considered as an army in Switzerland as it continues the long tradition of Swiss mercenaries. As the Swiss Guard discharges his duty of faith and courage, May 6 is the official date when new guards take the same OATH.

SWISS ARMY KNIVES

Originating in 1st Bach. Switzerland, the Swiss army Knife was produced in 1891 in the company of Victorian ox which was turned from the name Karl Elsner Company. Since in 1890 Swiss government wanted to have pocket Knives for each soldier. Elsner found it as a great opportunity to make profit. Thus he immediately formed an alliance of fellow cutlers but due to the heavy competition from German company the prices of the knives fell and his colleagues left him. But with the financial assistance provided by family and friends he set out to win the government contract and as a result in 1891 he produced the first Swiss Army Knife. Thus he began producing thousands of knives after the profitable deal with the government .Even today Swiss governments buy pocket knives for its soldiers.

In 1909, Elsner mother died so he thought to change the name of his company on her name “Victoria” but in 1921 stainless steel was produced by the company which was known “In ox” in Europe, so from then onwards company’s official name came to known as Victorinox.

SWISS CHEESE

Switzerland is famous for producing dozens of different cheese. Fondue which the Swiss people enjoy in winter, apart from that the most prominent cheese flavours are Gruyere and Vacherie Fribourgeois which are melted together with white wine, cherry brandy and garlic .Gruyere cheese is much creamier when produced but becomes stronger with passing time. Other cheese dishes which are a must to try are raclette and Alpena macaroni with cheese.

SWISS BANK

Everybody is well aware of this famous bank which is responsible for storing all the black money of the world. It is known for its secrecy about all the illegal transactions the make along with tax evasion and tax fraud .They even make electronic hacking slightly more difficult. But since Switzerland has a great economy there is non-interference by the government and the Swiss proceedings are legal. The bank secrecy protects the privacy of the blank clients which means money is safe in the hands of the bank .The value of deposits in Swiss banks by Indians exceeds the value of money deposits of any other nationality.

INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF RED CROSS

This medical non-governmental institution was established in Geneva Switzerland which provides medical help to people who are affected by war and disease from all over the world and ensure respect for humanity. It received Nobel Prize for peace in 1917 and 1944 for contributing to bring peace during both world wars. The ICRC now is a single part of large connections including Red Cross and Red Crescent societies and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The governing body of the ICRC is the committee which consists of not more than 25 members.

SWISS WATCHES

The name itself tells about the high quality used in watches being made over the years having both technical and aesthetic qualities. The watches which are specially manufactured in Switzerland has the designation of “Swiss made “and the logo of the producer .Swiss watches are famous because of being the world‘s largest export and for producing 90% electronics and 10%of mechanical watches.

During the 17th, 18th and 19th century Asia was the vital market for Swiss watches later expanding to China followed by India. Some of the famous Swiss brand watches are Tissot, Gucci, Rado, Rolex and the list continues. Whenever you wear a Swiss made watch your status symbol raises up to a high level.

SWISS CHOCOLATE

Switzerland was the country where milk chocolate was introduced in 1875 and is the world’s highest per capita rate of chocolate consumption country. Even today most of the chocolate is consumed by the Swiss people themselves as they produce 150000 tons of chocolate per year. Swiss chocolates have gained a huge international fame for high quality with many famous international brands such as Toblerone, Caviller, and Lindt etc. Chocolate in this small country is not only a business but an art of life and extremely versatile. Thus you enjoy the tasty Swiss made chocolate melting in your mouth.

The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO this week jointly convene a cross-section of representatives from the chocolate and cocoa industry, cocoa-producing countries, development agencies, donor groups, non-governmental organizations and cocoa certifying bodies. The gathering, themed "Innovations in Cocoa Sustainability: People, Planet, Profit," will focus on improving efforts to boost incomes, production levels and technology for the world's more than five million cocoa farmers. Host-country Switzerland leads all other nations in per capita consumption of chocolate.

Bill Guyton, president of the World Cocoa Foundation, said that the partnership with SECO was a natural choice for his organization. "SECO and WCF share a commitment to helping cocoa farmers improve their livelihoods. We at WCF bring industry's perspectives to the meeting, while SECO provides the expertise and resources of a development agency. It's a win-win for our agenda and ultimately for farmers.

Hans-Peter Egler, Head of Trade Promotion within SECO's Economic Cooperation and Development unit, underlines the opportunity of this joint event to promote SECO's approach towards a sustainable cocoa industry: "Our experience shows that sustainability in the cocoa value chain can only be reached with the contribution of all stakeholders. Especially governments as well as private companies do play within their mandates an essential role to create an enabling environment. SECO therefore supports Public Private Partnership projects, which aim to transfer international knowledge on economic, social and environmental sustainability criteria in supply chains to smallholder farmers in developing countries. This enables the farmers to produce higher quality and quantity and thus contributes to poverty alleviation."The two-day meeting, which is expected to attract 200 attendees, includes sessions on new strategies for agricultural development in the cocoa sector; defining and measuring success in programs to support cocoa farmers; direct sourcing & sustainability; the increasing role of women in cocoa farming; and efforts to address the worst forms of child labour in cocoa in Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana. An Innovations Symposium during the meeting will also highlight new technologies and innovations in the cocoa sector. Cocoa sustainability experts from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank, WCF, SECO, chocolate/cocoa companies and development agencies will serve as speakers for the meeting's sessions.

About SECOThe Economic Cooperation and Development Division of SECO is

responsible for the planning and implementation of economic cooperation and development activities with lower middle income developing countries, with countries of Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (transition countries) as well as the new Member States of the European Union. The Trade Promotion division facilitates trade that is socially responsible, environmentally friendly, inclusive and thereby sustainable. It further strengthens the export and competitive position of companies in the partner countries and facilitates imports to European markets. www.seco-cooperation.admin.ch

About WCF (World Cocoa Foundation)The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) is an international membership foundation that promotes a sustainable cocoa economy by providing cocoa farmers with the tools they need to grow more and better cocoa, market it successfully, and make greater profits. WCF's membership includes cocoa and chocolate manufacturers, processors, supply chain managers, and other companies worldwide, representing more than 80% of the global cocoa market visit www.worldcocoa.org.

Swiss chocolate refers to chocolate produced in Switzerland. While cacao beans and other ingredients such as sugar can originate from outside of Switzerland, the actual production of the chocolate must take place in Switzerland. Switzerland's chocolates have earned an international reputation for high quality with many famous international brands.

The 17th century saw the start of chocolate processed in Switzerland. In the 18th century chocolate was only produced in a few areas, such as the Ticino.

In the 19th and early-20th centuries the following chocolate factories were founded:

1819 - Caviller in Velvety (today Nestlé) 1826 - Suchard in Serrières (today Kraft Foods) 1830 - Kohler in Lausanne (today Nestlé) 1836 - Sprüngli in Zurich, company split into Conferee Sprüngli

and Lindt and Sprüngli in 1892 1852 - Maestrani in Luzern (today in Flawil) 1862 - Klaus in Le Locle 1867 - Peter in Lausanne (today Nestlé) 1879 - Lindt in Bern (today Lindt & Sprüngli) 1887 - Frey in Aarau (today Macros) 1899 - Tobler in Bern (today Kraft Foods) 1901 - Chocolate de Villars in Villars sur Glâne 1928 - Stella SA in Lugarno (1987 Giubiasco) 1929 - Camille Bloch in Cartulary 1932 - Tauscher in a small town in the Swiss Alps 1932 - Bern rain in Reutlingen 1933 - Chocolates’ Galba in Wallis Ellen 1934 - Kari Shone AG in Toggenburg

In the second half of the 19th century Swiss Chocolate started to spread abroad. Closely linked to this were the invention of Milk Chocolate by Daniel Peter in Velvety and the invention of the coaching by Rudolph Lindt.

Today most Swiss chocolate is consumed by the Swiss themselves (54% in 2000), and Switzerland has the highest per capita rate of chocolate consumption worldwide (11.6 kg (25.6 lbs.) per capita per annum).

In 2004 148,270 tonnes of chocolate were produced in Switzerland. 53% of this was exported (20% to Germany, 11% to France and Great Britain and 13% to North America). The gross income of the Swiss chocolate industry in 2004 was 1.37 billion CHF (814 million from the local market, 551 million from exports).

CHOCOSUISSE

CHOCOSUISSE, the Association of Swiss Chocolate Manufacturers, was founded on 1 July 1901 and was originally named "Union libre des fabricants Suisse’s de chocolate". Being a cooperative, the purpose of CHOCOSUISSE is to represent the common interests of the Swiss chocolate industry.

CHOCOSUISSE is where the Swiss chocolate industry comes together for representational purposes. Its membership comprises 18 companies involved in the industrial manufacture of chocolate and chocolate products, as well as the largest importers of finished products.

CHOCOSUISSE represents the interests of the Swiss chocolate industry in dealings with public bodies, leading business organizations, trade unions and the public.

CHOCOSUISSE protects the good reputation which Swiss chocolate enjoys throughout the world, and defends itself resolutely at home and abroad against the misuse of the "Swiss chocolate" label.CHOCOSUISSE deals with matters relating to labor law, occupational safety, foreign trade, food safety, agricultural policy, continuing education and training, etc. Members of CHOCOSUISSE receive support from the Association office (Secretariat General) as required relating to business management, food laws, and the law in general, and knowledge specific to chocolate. CHOCOSUISSE is responsible for working with the public on behalf of the industry as a whole.

CHOCOSUISSE works within international organizations and supports action to ensure that cocoa production is of high quality and satisfies the needs of all those concerned. CHOCOSUISSE and its member

companies are aware of their social responsibilities as employers: since 1938 there has been a collective labour agreement with the VHTL and SYNA trade unions.

ORGNISATION CHART

PORTFOLIO

1. Competence in chocolateCHOCOSUISSE is the combined platform of the Swiss chocolate manufacturers. We are the people to turn to for any information relating to chocolate and its raw materials, the manufacturing process, quality, food safety, labelling law, health and nutrition. Choco Suisse also organizes discussions for its members on the topics of sustainability and corporate social responsibility along the entire value chain.

2. Commitment to fair trading conditionsTogether with other business organizations such as economiebsuisse an umbrella organization for Switzerland's large export- oriented industries, the Swiss Confederation of Employers and the Federation of Swiss Food Industries, CHOCOSUISSE negotiates with the authorities and individual members of the Swiss parliament with a view to creating trading conditions that go to foster and strengthen the competitiveness of the Swiss chocolate industry. Key objectives in that process: to promote a Switzerland open to the world and fair trading conditions; to continue developing the Swiss economy towards free trade; to press for food laws compatible with EU legislation; to dismantle trade barriers tariff-based and non-tariff based; and to confer on compensation for the raw material price disadvantage incurred by the export business and caused by agricultural protectionism in Switzerland. CHOCOSUISSE is also committed to a continuing education and training system that responds to individual needs. At the same time, CHOCOSUISSE advocates consumer protection legislation measured against discerning consumers, subscribes in its role as an employers' organization to social values and supports a legal system which promotes independent, responsible and enterprising business activities as well as acknowledging innovative thinking and action.

3. Monitoring the authenticity of "Swiss Choco lateness"CHOCOSUISSE combats any misuse of the origin seal of Schweitzer Schokolade and will take rigorous and decisive action against any producers and traders who, through dishonest practices, exploit the internationally high reputation of Swiss chocolate. CHOCOSUISSE obliges its member companies to ensure that their parent, subsidiary and affiliate companies and/or license holders make no misleading claims about chocolate articles produced outside Switzerland. CHOCOSUISSE also monitors the implementation of such obligations.

4. Maintaining a credible communications policy and a good reputationCHOCOSUISSE aims to remain credible in all its communications as to Swiss chocolate. We uphold the industry's sound reputation. In close collaboration with its member companies, CHOCOSUISSE also defines the joint messages that play a part in the publicity issued by individual companies. We believe that the sum of all company activities as perceived by the general public makes a significant contribution to the maintenance of the industry's good reputation.

5. Supporting member companies and their needsCHOCOSUISSE strives to anticipate any risks that may affect the Swiss chocolate industry. It wills, equally, analyses any opportunities that may emerge and endeavour to process them accordingly. CHOCOSUISSE keeps its companies updated about various sector-related occurrences at all times and provides support on a needs basis in all business, specialist and legal matters. To this end, CHOCOSUISSE employs a team of professional staff and draws on its national and international networks.

Swiss chocolate growth

Swiss chocolate manufacturers can look back on a successful 2013 with increased sales of almost 4%. This result is all the more remarkable on account of the strong Swiss franc, making Switzerland’s chocolate products more expensive in most export markets and lowering the price of imported chocolate. The increase in terms of quantity and sales compared with the foregoing year is primarily driven by the export business. In 2013, Switzerland’s 18 chocolate manufacturers topped the 2012 result in terms of quantity and Value. With a sales volume that increased by approx. 6,700 tonnes to 179,061 tones + 3.9 %, turnover

Across the industry successfully rose by 3.1 % to 1,683 million Swiss francs. The Swiss chocolate industry Proved capable of holding its own in export markets despite the strength of the Swiss franc; on the Domestic market increased consumer confidence had a positive effect on sales of chocolate products. Of Total production, 61.2 % was sold abroad (previous year: 60.3 %.The mood among consumers remained largely stable last year and even brightened somewhat towards the End of the year, resulting in a positive impact in Switzerland on demand for Swiss chocolate products. The Increase in sales of 1.4 %, in terms of quantity, may have been influenced by the prolonged winter weather And a summer marked by brief heat waves. The rise in tourist numbers as compared with the previous year also had a positive effect on sales. Sales on the domestic market by Swiss manufacturing companies Amounted to 69,399 tones. Sizeable growth was achieved in solid chocolate bars with no added Ingredients + 9.5 % and chocolate mini-formats + 9.3 %. The increase in domestic turnover of 2.2 % to 891 million Swiss francs despite the pressure on prices in retail are pleasing. The share of imported Chocolate consumed on the domestic market increased again, as in the previous years, amounting to 36.3 % (previous year: 35.9 %. Compared with the previous year, an increase of 100 g, to 12.0 kg, in the Average per capita consumption can be derived from the domestic consumption of 97,082 tones of Chocolate products (including imports but excluding cocoa and chocolate powder).

In 2013, the Swiss chocolate industry was able to significantly expand its export business. Foreign sales Reached 109,662 tonnes, representing an increase of 5.6 %. At the same time turnover in value terms also Increased by 4.1 % to 792 million, despite the continuing strength of the Swiss franc and the gradual Recovery of the global economy. Significant growth was achieved in manufactured products with chocolate Bars with no added ingredients (9.9 %) and filled chocolate bars 9.5 %, to name only two. Once again, Germany (24.7 % share of

exports) led the 150 export markets, ahead of the United Kingdom 12.8%, France 8.0 % and Canada 6.3 %. Sales in European Union (EU) countries rose compared with the previous year both in terms of quantity + 18.5 % and in terms of value + 5.2 %. As for the leading European export markets, Germany, Belgium and Italy showed extremely positive development whereas Sales in countries such as France, The Netherlands and Austria declined. Meanwhile, outside the EU, the Industry was able to notch up impressive sales increases in China, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. In 2014 Swiss chocolate manufacturers are hoping to build on the positive showing of 2013, maintain their Market share in the highly saturated domestic market and continue to expand their exports. As ever, Products of high and consistent quality, made with such love and care, will continue to form the basis for these endeavors. From the Swiss Government, the manufacturing companies are expecting good general Conditions, such as additional free trade agreements, a wise macroeconomic implementation of the "Swissness" bill and a correct compensation of the differences in commodity prices for export products Caused by Switzerland’s artificially increased prices of agricultural products.

SALES OF SWISS CHOCOLATE INDUSTRY (DOMESTIC AND EXPORT)

Of these products, 39 % were sold in Switzerland and 61 % was exported to 150 countries. This Swiss export should not be confused

with the far greater production of chocolate with Swiss labels by branches, subsidiaries and under license abroad.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DOMESTIC SALES AND EXPORTS

CHOCOLATE IMPORT

TURNOVER OF SWISS CHOCOLATE INDUSTRY

The foreign trade statistics of the Federal Customs Administration are based on different criteria than the statistics for the sector prepared by CHOCOSUISSE. The two sets of statistics therefore show different export figures.

AVERAGE IMPORT PRICE OF THE IMPORT RAW MATERIAL

Corresponds to the import price of the import contingent of 300 tones milk powder, yearly sold by auction since 1 January 2009. The price for domestic whole milk powder in 2013 was on average CHF 624. – For 100 kg.

Per CAPITA CONSUMPTION

The Swiss like chocolate. In 2013, as in previous years, they had the highest per capita consumption with 12kg. However, this includes purchases by tourists and cross-border commuters.

EMPLOYMENT IN SWISS CHOCOLATE INDUSTRY

DEVELOPMENT IN AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE

WORLDWIDE GRINDING OF COCO BEANS 2012 -13

An interesting conclusion can be made from this table: The small amount of raw material imports by Switzerland is in reverse relation to the high reputation of its chocolate. Could there be a better proof of its quality.

COCO HARVEST

IN COMPARISION THE WORLD HARVEST