Market
Fresh blueberries in Switzerland are a fast-growing fruit category with expanding domestic cultivation, but the market remains strongly import-supplied. Swiss production is concentrated particularly in eastern cantons (e.g., Thurgau, St. Gallen, Schaffhausen, Zurich), while imports provide broad retail availability. Agroscope reported around 700 tonnes of blueberries produced and marketed in Switzerland in 2024. Domestic supply is seasonal (summer harvest window), so off-season consumption is typically covered by imports.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with growing domestic production
Domestic RoleRising domestic cultivation supplying seasonal fresh-market demand (notably via retail and direct farm sales), with imports covering a large share of annual availability
Market GrowthGrowing (2010s–mid-2020s)Domestic cultivation has expanded markedly while imports continue to supply large retail volumes
SeasonalitySwiss harvest is concentrated in summer (notably late June to August for key cultivar windows), while imported blueberries support off-season availability in shops.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFor fresh blueberries sourced from non-EU countries, Swiss plant-health rules generally require an original phytosanitary certificate and may require SPPS-related controls; missing, late, or invalid documentation/declaration can trigger border delays, non-clearance, or rejection.Verify FOAG/SPPS import conditions for the exact origin and product before shipping; ensure the original phytosanitary certificate accompanies the consignment and align pre-arrival declarations/controls with SPPS guidance.
Pest Pressure MediumSpotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is an established invasive pest in Switzerland and was first found (July 2011) on blueberries in Ticino; it attacks ripening, intact berries and can cause significant crop and quality losses.Use integrated pest management approaches consistent with Swiss extension/research guidance and maintain tight harvest/handling hygiene to reduce infestation and quality losses.
Quality MediumBlueberries are physically delicate; bruising or skin damage can cause premature moulding, increasing shrink and the likelihood of customer claims in retail channels.Tighten handling discipline end-to-end (gentle picking/packing, rapid turnover, and protective packaging practices agreed with buyers) and reject lots with visible damage before dispatch.
Sustainability- Invasive pest pressure in Swiss berry systems (e.g., spotted-wing drosophila) increases plant-protection and crop-loss risk
Standards- SwissGAP (fruit/vegetables/potatoes) aligned with GLOBALG.A.P. requirements in Switzerland
- GLOBALG.A.P. IFA (Fruit and Vegetables) (common private assurance reference point for fresh produce supply chains)
FAQ
Do fresh blueberries imported into Switzerland from non-EU countries require a phytosanitary certificate?Yes. The Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) states that plant products such as fruit imported from non-EU countries generally require a phytosanitary certificate, and the exemption list does not include blueberries.
Where are blueberries mainly cultivated in Switzerland?Swiss Farmers notes that blueberry cultivation is especially present in eastern Switzerland, including the cantons of Thurgau, St. Gallen, Schaffhausen and Zurich.
What is a notable pest risk for Swiss blueberry production?Agroscope reports that spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) has been present in Switzerland since 2011 and was first found on blueberries in Ticino; it attacks ripening berries and is difficult to control.