Push in Switzerland to recognize non-binary status; Another US fast-food chain expanding into Switzerland; Swiss chocolate likely to become more expensive

News For 21 May 2024

Legally, there are only two sexes in Switzerland: men and women. But since a non-binary Swiss singer, Nemo, won the Eurovision Song Contest on May 11th, there have been more concerted efforts for the country to recognize the third gender. An online petition, which has already collected over 15,500 signatures, is calling on the Federal Council and parliament to “break the code” (referring to Nemo’s winning song, "The Code"), and recognize the non-binary status. “For Switzerland, this is a small step. For all non-binary people, it is a milestone in favor of a life without discrimination, with respect and dignity,” the petition states.

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After McDonald’s, Burger King, Dunkin' Donuts, Krispy Kreme, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Five Guys, one more chain of American restaurants, Taco Bell, will soon come to Switzerland. “We confirm that Switzerland is part of Taco Bell's expansion strategy,” a spokesperson for IS Holding, which holds the Taco Bell license for Switzerland, told the local media. This news is just a foretaste (no pun intended) of what's to come; it is not yet known, however, how many restaurants are planned in Switzerland, where the first branch will open, or when.

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In 2023, cocoa prices rose to all-time highs, due to bad weather conditions which have damaged crop yields in West Africa, where three-quarters of the world’s cocoa production takes place. The price of cocoa is continuing its upward trend, and as a result, Swiss chocolate is set to become more expensive, according to Marco Peter, director of Lindt Switzerland. “The price rise is dramatic and concerns us greatly,” he said. “We are trying to remedy this by reducing production costs, but this is only possible to a limited extent.” Lindt chocolate will be “more than 10 percent more expensive” in Switzerland this year, he added.