Tue, Jan 30th 2024
As Swiss appetites for pork diminish, Migros trims IP-Suisse pork orders by 10%, pushing farmers towards alternative buyers. The move impacts animal-friendly farming, stirring industry and consumer debate.
IP-Suisse pork faces a 10% purchase cut from Migros, reflecting a shift in Swiss consumption habits. The “Fair Markets Switzerland” highlights concerns over animal-friendly farming’s future. Migros, the program’s primary client, cites reduced pork demand and heightened price sensitivity among Swiss consumers as the primary reasons for this adjustment.
In 2022, around 700,000 IP-Suisse pigs were reared across 575 breeding and 1,112 fattening farms, with Migros’ share undisclosed. The reduction potentially affects 40,000 pigs, based on Migros’ estimated purchase of 400,000 pigs from the program.
This decision has been met with disappointment from the Swiss Fair Markets Association, viewing it as a shift towards more conventional, less expensive meat products at producers’ expense. Migros defends its stance by pointing to its significant range of IP-Suisse pork and the unavoidable impact of changing consumer behaviors and economic pressures.
The price gap between conventional and IP-Suisse pork, highlighted by a comparison in Migros’ stores, raises questions about retail markup practices. Despite only a marginal cost difference at the production level, retail prices for IP-Suisse products are significantly higher, sparking debate over the fairness of such pricing strategies.
IP-Suisse pig farmers, faced with this reduced demand from Migros, are actively seeking alternative buyers to compensate for the lost premium, which translates to a significant income reduction for the average farmer. The IP-Suisse certification, known for its emphasis on more humane rearing practices, offers a niche yet vital market for farmers dedicated to sustainable and ethical animal husbandry.
©Keystone/SDA
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