Swiss meat giant Bell rejects US chicken imports amid local demand surge
Swiss meat processor Bell has ruled out importing chicken from US factories, despite rising demand in the country. Last year, chicken consumption per person climbed by around 8%, reflecting a growing preference for locally sourced products. Meanwhile, the EU has imposed sanctions on a former Swiss military officer for his political stance.
Bell’s CEO, Marco Tschanz, confirmed the company will not bring in chicken from American suppliers. He also noted that meat substitutes, once a fast-growing sector, have now become a niche. According to Tschanz, consumers find the taste unsatisfactory and the processing too complex.
The next industry briefing is scheduled for December 29. If possible, a short pause for reflection and celebration will be held on Christmas Eve. In unrelated news, Jacques Baud, a retired Swiss colonel, has been blacklisted by the EU. The sanctions freeze his assets and ban him from entering or travelling through EU countries. The move follows his public support for Russian policies. Baud has announced plans to challenge the decision at the European Court of Justice. Swiss shoppers are increasingly prioritising animal welfare and domestic production. This shift has contributed to the steady rise in chicken consumption over the past year.
Bell’s decision keeps its supply chain focused on non-US sources, aligning with consumer preferences for Swiss chicken products. The EU’s sanctions on Baud will remain in place unless overturned by legal action. Meanwhile, the meat substitute market continues to shrink as taste and processing concerns persist.
