Consumer Goods and Commodities
Zug is home of many global Multinationals and among the top five commodity trading hubs worldwide.
Consumer Goods
Driving Growth: Consumer Goods and Wholesale Cluster in Zug fuels Economic Expansion
The Canton of Zug is home to more than 1'700 Consumer Goods companies, employing around 14'000 people and contributing to about one third of the cantonal GDP. Numerous major global Multinationals, alongside small to mid-sized companies, have set up international and regional headquarters here. Of special importance are branded products in food & beverage (e.g. RBI/Burger King, Coca Cola HBC, Anheuser-Busch InBev), personal care (e.g. Galderma, Haleon and Kenvue), textiles and sporting goods (e.g. Canada Goose, Hugo Boss, Odlo, Specialized). Also, Canton of Zug has evolved into a hub for automotive suppliers (e.g. LKQ Europe, Autoliv, Amag, Swiss Automotive Group).
Additionally, wholesale trading of commodities and pharmaceutical products forms a vital component of the sector (see dedicated page on the Pharma & Biotech cluster).
Quotes from leading business personalities
"We choose to be in Zug for several reasons: First, we operate in over 70 countries and require a diverse team to manage the business. Zug’s friendly family environment and proximity to the best schools makes it easier to re-cruit and retain a talented team. Second, we have found in Zug a canton that is creative and truly a partner in our growth. The constructive relationship we have with the Canton of Zug gives us the confidence that we are in the right place for now and the future."
"We choose to be in Zug for several reasons: First, we operate in over 70 countries and require a diverse team to manage the business. Zug’s friendly family environment and proximity to the best schools makes it easier to re-cruit and retain a talented team. Second, we have found in Zug a canton that is creative and truly a partner in our growth. The constructive relationship we have with the Canton of Zug gives us the confidence that we are in the right place for now and the future."
David Shear
President EMEA - Restaurant Brands International
"For over a decade now, HUGO BOSS has been based in Zug and serving, amongst other business, a broad spectrum of wholesale partners both locally and internationally. The central location within Europe coupled with the business friendly environment which the Canton of Zug offers, makes it an ideal location for us to be situated. With our diverse business areas and the resulting diverse nationalities employed in our offices, we have found the Canton of Zug to be a progressive and supportive business partner, which adds additional value when attracting and relocating talents into the region."
"For over a decade now, HUGO BOSS has been based in Zug and serving, amongst other business, a broad spectrum of wholesale partners both locally and internationally. The central location within Europe coupled with the business friendly environment which the Canton of Zug offers, makes it an ideal location for us to be situated. With our diverse business areas and the resulting diverse nationalities employed in our offices, we have found the Canton of Zug to be a progressive and supportive business partner, which adds additional value when attracting and relocating talents into the region."
Paul Daly
Director Finance & Administration - HUGO BOSS (Schweiz) AG
"We redomiciled and reincorporated our business in Zug in 2013. Our main objective was to locate our head office and holding company in a stable juris-diction with a business-friendly environment. The Canton of Zug has been very supportive of Coca-Cola HBC and we are confident that we made the right choice in moving to Zug."
"We redomiciled and reincorporated our business in Zug in 2013. Our main objective was to locate our head office and holding company in a stable juris-diction with a business-friendly environment. The Canton of Zug has been very supportive of Coca-Cola HBC and we are confident that we made the right choice in moving to Zug."
Jan Gustavson
General Counsel, Company Secretary and Director of Strategic Development - Coca‑Cola HBC Schweiz AG
Companies in the Canton of Zug
Download
You can download the current "Zug: Wholesale Cluster" factsheet here. Within the factsheet, you'll discover more details about the cluster, statistical data, pertinent platforms, and contact information.
Commodities
Thriving Commodity Cluster in Zug: A Global Trading Powerhouse
Zug occupies a crucial and historical position as a global leader among the top five commodity trading hubs. With over 200 enterprises and a substantial skilled workforce, Zug thrives as a nexus for commodity trading, with a focus on metals (e.g. Glencore, Arrow Metals, East Metals), energy (e.g. VARO, Kolmar) and soft commodities (e.g. Rothfos Coffee/Neumann Group, Hersheys, AJC Overseas, PMI Foods, EuroChem). Its core functions encompass headquarters, trading, supply chains, exploration, production, processing, and marketing. A comprehensive range of correlated services, including shipping, transportation, finance, risk insurance, and legal advisory, provide vital support.
Quotes from leading business personalities
"The authorities of the Canton of Zug are by far the most professional that I have experienced in my long career. We were welcomed with open arms, assistance and cooperation. Moreover, we have enjoyed and are enjoying excellent relationships with the banks and local businesses who are well versed with the commodity trading segment. The employees we find here in Zug are very professional and well educated."
"The authorities of the Canton of Zug are by far the most professional that I have experienced in my long career. We were welcomed with open arms, assistance and cooperation. Moreover, we have enjoyed and are enjoying excellent relationships with the banks and local businesses who are well versed with the commodity trading segment. The employees we find here in Zug are very professional and well educated."
Ruth Sandelowsky
CEO - Kolmar Group
"Glencore has been headquartered in the Canton of Zug for over 45 years. Zug provides a stable and highly professional business environment which, together with the outstanding infrastructure, has enabled us to attract and retain the best talent from around the world."
"Glencore has been headquartered in the Canton of Zug for over 45 years. Zug provides a stable and highly professional business environment which, together with the outstanding infrastructure, has enabled us to attract and retain the best talent from around the world."
Derrick Crowley
Head of Group HR - Glencore
Companies in the Canton of Zug
Download
You can access the latest "Zug: Commodity Cluster" factsheet for download here. The factsheet contains additional details about the cluster, statistics, relevant platforms, and contact information.
Platforms, Institutions and Associations
The Zug Commodity Association sustains a platform that upholds business interests, education, and social engagements. ZCA members gain from targeted liaisons with governing bodies and advocacy entities, along with receiving assistance through information, education, and research resources.
The Swiss Commodity Trading Association SUISSENÉGOCE is a non-profit, non-political organisation. It represents the interests of those involved in trading, shipping, banks involved in the financing of raw materials, insurance companies, law firms, and affiliated service companies.
SUISSENÉGOCE • Discover the Swiss commodity activity (suissenegoce.ch)
A visionary and homegrown physical eco-system for urban industries and innovation is emerging on the site of V-ZUG in Zug. Verticalized factories and innovation labs are developing and sharing digital solutions and an open innovation culture to accelerate urban work and solutions for the next generations.
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences (HSLU) provides an English-taught Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) specifically for commodities. Named CAS Commodity Professional, this 18-day program is offered in Zug and Lugano.
CAS Commodity Professional | Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (hslu.ch)
The Commodity Club Switzerland is an organization that disseminates information, publishes content, and organizes frequent gatherings to unite interdisciplinary commodity experts across the value chain.
CIPS stands as the world's foremost association catering to the procurement and supply field.
The Swiss Society for Marketing (gfm) is a guide for market-oriented corporate management in Switzerland. It offers CEOs and CMOs clear guidance on current topics and trends in marketing and innovation. Through research, events and platforms such as AGMs, trend conferences, brush-ups and social media groups, gfm generates knowledge and promotes.
The Swiss Marketing Association serves as a hub and platform for market-driven business management. It bridges the gap between research and practical application through research, training, event organization, networking, and publications.
SWISS MARKETING | DER FÜHRENDE BERUFSVERBAND FÜR MARKETING UND VERKAUF
The Swiss Federation of Brand-Name Products advocates for fair market conditions, open competition, and brand quality. It represents 90 brand-name product companies in Switzerland's consumer goods sector.