The Swiss Fruit Association (Schweizer Obstverband) has expressed formal disapproval regarding the Swiss Armed Forces’ procurement of apple sauce produced in Italy for use in military mess halls. The criticism centers on the inclusion of imported fruit products in the traditional Swiss dish “Ghackets mit Hörnli,” a staple meal consisting of minced meat and pasta, typically served with apple sauce.
According to the Swiss Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics (FBL), which manages the procurement for the Swiss Armed Forces, the decision to source the apple sauce from Italy was based on a public tender process. The federal agency stated that the contract was awarded to the most economical bidder that met the required technical specifications, as mandated by the Federal Act on Public Procurement. Under current Swiss law, public contracts must be awarded to the offer that provides the best price-performance ratio, provided that the supplier complies with international and national labor standards.
The Swiss Fruit Association, which represents domestic fruit producers, argues that the use of foreign agricultural products undermines the Swiss agricultural sector, particularly when domestic supplies are available. Representatives for the producers have publicly questioned the reliance on imports for a product that is a staple of Swiss culinary heritage, suggesting that the Swiss military should prioritize local supply chains to bolster the domestic economy and reduce food miles.
Procurement Rules and the Federal Act
The procurement of food for the Swiss Army is governed by the Federal Act on Public Procurement (PPA), which was revised in 2021 to ensure greater transparency and competition. The legislation requires the federal government to conduct tenders for supplies that exceed certain financial thresholds. When a contract is placed out to tender, the FBL is legally obligated to evaluate bids based on criteria such as price, quality, and sustainability, rather than solely on the country of origin.
According to the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), the army consumes significant quantities of food annually to sustain personnel during training and operations. While the military maintains a policy of supporting Swiss agriculture where possible, officials have clarified that they are bound by the PPA’s requirements regarding competitive bidding and non-discrimination of foreign suppliers within the European trade framework. The FBL has noted that while Swiss products are often preferred, they must remain competitive within the auction process to be selected over international alternatives.
Impact on the Domestic Fruit Sector
The Swiss Fruit Association maintains that the government’s purchasing power should be used as a tool to support local farmers. The organization has pointed to the current economic challenges facing domestic fruit growers, including rising production costs and fluctuating market prices. By opting for Italian apple sauce, critics argue, the federal government is bypassing an opportunity to stabilize the local market for processed fruit products.
Data from the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) indicates that Switzerland produces a substantial amount of apples annually, much of which is processed into juice, cider, and sauce. However, the cost of processing these fruits domestically is often higher than in neighboring European countries due to higher labor and operational costs. The tension between the mandate to keep public spending low and the desire to support local producers remains a recurring issue in Swiss federal procurement discussions.
Next Steps in Procurement Policy
The Swiss Armed Forces and the FBL have indicated that they intend to continue their current procurement strategy, citing the strict legal frameworks that govern federal spending. There is no immediate indication that the tender process will be modified to exclude international bids for food supplies. However, the Swiss Fruit Association has signaled its intention to keep the issue on the political agenda, seeking discussions with parliamentary committees to advocate for changes that would allow for more favorable consideration of domestic agricultural products in future military tenders.
For updates on federal procurement regulations and future tender notices, interested parties can monitor the official Swiss public procurement platform, simap.ch, which lists all active federal and cantonal government tenders. Parliamentary discussions regarding potential amendments to procurement guidelines are typically recorded in the official bulletin of the Swiss Federal Assembly.
We welcome your thoughts on the balance between federal spending efficiency and the support of local agricultural sectors. Please share your perspective in the comments section below.
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