Like many other trading nations, Switzerland will face a blanket US tariff on exports of 10% – until July - instead of the 31% originally announced after President Trump ordered a 90-day tariff pause for most countries.
The Schoggifestival Ehrundredlich, organised by Good Chocolate Hub, takes place in Zurich this Sunday, 13 April. They say there is concern about the new tariffs (whatever the rate). Still, for local chocolatiers, the focus remains on the domestic market.
Anthony Myers
Chocosuisse, the Swiss chocolate industry association, expressed initial disappointment on the 31% rate, stating that the tariffs heavily burden exports to the United States and will severely impact the competitiveness of Swiss companies in the US market and create considerable uncertainty.
The association said it is working to address these challenges through dialogue with authorities and actively advocating for its members' interests.
No direct impact for small-scale producers
Andrea Hüsser from the Good Chocolate Hub and a co-organiser of the festival said: “My guess is that for the moment, there should not be a direct impact for the independent and very small producers since they are not exporting.
“The high cacao price does not even touch some of them since they have always paid very high prices for their good and traceable cacao.”
Anthony Myers
Deforestation and sustainability
The Schoggifestival Ehrundredlich 2025 will focus primarily on deforestation and sustainable chocolate production when it opens for the fourth time in Zurich at the Mühle Tiefenbrunnen cultural area (10am – 6pm).
The festival's centerpieces are the diverse chocolate events and the chocolate market featuring small-scale producers catering to industry experts and chocolate enthusiasts.
Highlights will include:
Chocolate Market: Over 25 exhibitors will showcase sustainably produced chocolate, cocoa products, and solutions to combat deforestation.
Programme Highlights:
- Lectures & Discussions: How are cocoa farming and deforestation connected? What role does the new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) play?
- Guests from Ghana: Jeanne Donkoh (Bioko Treats), Issifu Issaka (cocoa farmer & activist), and Nana Aduna (Ohene Cocoa) will share firsthand experiences.
- Workshops & Tastings: From bean-to-bar production to chocolate pairings.
- Children's Programme: Face painting, treasure hunt, and decorating your own chocolate.
"We want to show that chocolate can be produced without exploiting humans and nature," says the Good Chocolate Hub.
- Tickets & Programme: Secure your tickets now and explore the full program at schoggifestival.ch.
Cocoaradar.com is the official media partner for this event.
