What are CHOCOSUISSE's principels?

CHOCOSUISSE, the Association of Swiss Chocolate Manufacturers, stands for …

• Competence in chocolate
CHOCOSUISSE is the combined platform of the Swiss chocolate manufacturers. We are the people to turn to for any information relating to chocolate and its raw materials, the manufacturing process, quality, food safety, labelling law, health and nutrition. CHOCOSUISSE also organises discussions for its members on the topics of sustainability and corporate social responsibility along the entire value chain.

• Commitment to fair trading conditions
Together with other business organisations such as economiesuisse (an umbrella organisation for Switzerland's large export-oriented industries), the Swiss Confederation of Employers and the Federation of Swiss Food Industries, CHOCOSUISSE negotiates with the authorities and individual members of the Swiss parliament with a view to creating trading conditions that go to foster and strengthen the competitiveness of the Swiss chocolate industry. Key objectives in that process: to promote a Switzerland open to the world and fair trading conditions; to continue developing the Swiss economy towards free trade; to press for food laws compatible with EU legislation; to dismantle trade barriers tariff-based and non-tariff based; and to confer on compensation for the raw material price disadvantage incurred by the export business and caused by agricultural protectionism in Switzerland. CHOCOSUISSE is also committed to a continuing education and training system that responds to individual needs. At the same time, CHOCOSUISSE advocates consumer protection legislation measured against discerning consumers, subscribes in its role as an employers' organisation to social values and supports a legal system which promotes independent, responsible and enterprising business activities as well as acknowledging innovative thinking and action.

• Monitoring the authenticity of "Swiss Chocolateness"
CHOCOSUISSE combats any misuse of the origin seal of Schweizer Schokolade and will take rigorous and decisive action against any producers and traders who, through dishonest practices, exploit the internationally high reputation of Swiss chocolate. CHOCOSUISSE obliges its member companies to ensure that their parent, subsidiary and affiliate companies and/or licence holders make no misleading claims about chocolate articles produced outside Switzerland. CHOCOSUISSE also monitors the implementation of such obligations.

• Maintaining a credible communications policy and a good reputation
CHOCOSUISSE aims to remain credible in all its communications as to Swiss chocolate. We uphold the industry's sound reputation. In close collaboration with its member companies, CHOCOSUISSE also defines the joint messages that play a part in the publicity issued by individual companies. We believe that the sum of all company activities as perceived by the general public makes a significant contribution to the maintenance of the industry's good reputation.

• Supporting member companies and their needs
CHOCOSUISSE strives to anticipate any risks that may affect the Swiss chocolate industry. It will, equally, analyse any opportunities that may emerge and endeavour to process them accordingly. CHOCOSUISSE keeps its companies updated about various sector-related occurrences at all times and provides support on a needs basis in all business, specialist and legal matters. To this end, CHOCOSUISSE employs a team of professional staff and draws on its national and international networks.