Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormRaw (dried nut kernels; also traded in-shell)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Market
Raw macadamia nuts in Switzerland are primarily supplied through imports for retail snack consumption and as an ingredient for food manufacturing. Switzerland is an import-dependent consumer market for macadamia nuts, with imports reported at 275 tonnes valued at €2.8 million in 2024. South Africa and Kenya were the largest direct suppliers by volume in 2024, followed by Germany and Australia. Retail sales are described as dominated by private labels associated with major retailers such as Coop and Migros, and macadamias are commonly sold as roasted snacks or used in products like ice cream.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RolePremium nut category used in retail snack packs and as an ingredient for confectionery/desserts (including ice cream) and other food manufacturing
Market GrowthMixed (2020–2024)import quantities increased while import values decreased
Risks
Food Safety HighNon-compliance with Swiss contaminant limits (including mycotoxins such as aflatoxins that apply to peanuts and tree nuts) can block market access through rejection, withdrawal, or prohibition of placing the lot on the market.Implement a lot-based testing and supplier COA program for mycotoxins and moisture, use risk-based sampling, and maintain dry/clean storage and transport conditions to prevent mold growth.
Regulatory Compliance MediumLabeling and mandatory food-information non-compliance (including allergen declaration requirements for nuts) can trigger enforcement actions and costly relabeling or recalls in Switzerland.Pre-approve labels against Swiss LIV requirements for the intended sales channel (retail vs ingredient), and ensure allergen statements and origin/production disclosures are complete and consistent.
Plant Health MediumIf macadamias are imported in a form subject to phytosanitary rules (e.g., certain fresh/in-shell plant products from non-EU countries), missing or invalid phytosanitary certification/notification can cause clearance delays or refusal at the border.Confirm the exact product form (dried kernels vs fresh/in-shell) and origin route; when certification applies, obtain a valid phytosanitary certificate and follow SPPS notification/inspection procedures.
Climate MediumSwitzerland’s import dependence exposes buyers to supply and price volatility driven by extreme weather in producing regions (e.g., heavy rainfall/flood events affecting Australian production reported by industry sources).Diversify supply across origins (direct and via traders), maintain forward coverage, and pre-qualify alternate suppliers to manage crop-shock years.
FAQ
Do dried raw macadamia nuts require a phytosanitary certificate to import into Switzerland?Swiss plant-import guidance states that plant products already processed (including dried products) do not require a phytosanitary certificate and can be imported without phytosanitary inspection. If macadamias are imported as fresh plant products from non-EU countries, a phytosanitary certificate and SPPS procedures may apply, so the exact product form should be confirmed before shipment.
Who supplied most of Switzerland’s macadamia nut imports in 2024?CBI reports that South Africa and Kenya were the largest suppliers to Switzerland by volume in 2024, each with the same reported volume share, followed by Germany and Australia.
What is the main deal-breaker compliance risk for importing raw macadamia nuts into Switzerland?Food-safety non-compliance is the key blocker: Switzerland’s Contaminants Ordinance (VHK) sets maximum levels for contaminants including mycotoxins such as aflatoxins that apply to peanuts and tree nuts, and non-compliant lots can be prohibited from being placed on the market. Robust supplier controls for moisture and mycotoxins are therefore essential.