PostedJuly 7, 2022, 6:43 PM
A chocolate distributed by the Tourist Office promises a taste experience in Zurich. Problem: the chocolate is produced in Austria.
The labels reveal two realities.
Reddit/Screenshot
Recently, a Reddit user posted a photo of a chocolate bar wrapper on the platform that reads “A taste of Zürich, Switzerland” (editor’s note: A taste of Zurich, Switzerland). He was surprised to discover on the back of the tablet that the chocolate had been made… in Austria.
This chocolate is exclusively distributed free of charge by the Zurich Tourist Board at major events. “You have to admit that it is really a bit unfortunate to read on one of our products ‘A taste of Zürich, Switzerland’, when the manufacturing took place in Austria”, says Ueli Heer, spokesperson for Zürich Tourism.
According to him, it is not uncommon for productions to be relocated abroad in various branches. This is particularly the case with the production of Lindt & Sprüngli – the manufacturers of the chocolate bars in question. “For us, chocolate from Lindt & Sprüngli remains a Zurich product, however, because the recipe for chocolate production is a Zurich recipe,” continues Heer. In other words, the expression “A taste of Zurich” is factually correct.
Not optimal
While it is not possible to know how many chocolate bars have already been distributed, Ueli Heer assures that the Tourist Office will now check whether future orders can be produced in Zurich.
Trademark expert Stefan Vogler believes that the fact that the chocolate is produced in Austria is not a problem. “The importance of a renowned Swiss company behind the product”. Which is the case here since the headquarters of Lindt & Sprüngli is located in Kilchberg (ZH).
For Felix Murbach, marketing expert, it is, on the contrary, important that brands present a non-contradictory message. “That’s not necessarily the case here,” he laments. For him, the title chosen by the Zurich Tourist Office is not optimal. “It looks like we saved in the wrong place. A product that reads “A taste of Zürich” should ideally be made here. Especially in Switzerland, a country known for its chocolate,” he concludes.
(sac/aze)