Information juridique intelligente
 Suisse | 1-800-335-6202

Coffee, with a local flavour.

Document Cited in Related
Vincent

Switzerland is world-famous for chocolate and cheese, yet its relationship with coffee may come as a surprise: According to a recent Tages-Anzeiger daily newspaper report, three-quarters of the global coffee trade flows through this tiny Alpine nation.

As with oil and other commodities, most of the coffee isn't physically imported. Rather, traders steer 75 per cent of the global trade flow through Switzerland.

The country established itself as a major centre of the global commodities market after World War II, and expanded its role further during a boom in the 1960s. The country's infrastructure around Lake Geneva was ideal, financial services were within immediate reach, and traders had easy access to diplomatic representation, legal security and tax benefits. Nor could Switzerland's neutrality during the Cold War be overlooked.

Each is still an important factor today. And, "among other things, we do not have to provide value added tax [VAT] accounts," said Renaud de Kerchove of the ECOM Agro-industrial commodity trading company in Pully. "In the EU it would be otherwise, even if the tax is refunded. That means a lot of work for nothing."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Switzerland's geographic location is also part of its attraction. "In the morning I can telephone with Asia, during the day with Africa, and in the afternoon with Latin America," explained Starbucks buyer Stephan Erard...

Pour continuer la lecture

SOLLICITEZ VOTRE ESSAI
COPYRIGHT Swiss News

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT