Not so long ago, a vote was taken to stop the sale of alcohol in Migros. Why is Migros now introducing more and more products containing alcohol? The latest example: Camille Bloch Williams
Not so long ago, a vote was taken to stop the sale of alcohol in Migros. Why is Migros now introducing more and more products containing alcohol? The latest example: Camille Bloch Williams
Many products already existed before this vote. More and more is a bit exaggerated, isn't it? It's good that you can't buy pure alcohol stuff, but if you were completely without it, then you'd have to cut out a lot...
Yes, you can overdo it 🤦♀️ Kirschstängeli, Kirschtorte, Schwarzwäldertorte and the like have been available in Migros for a long time and should stay that way. Perfumes and disinfectants also contain alcohol, should these also be banned?
Many products already existed before this vote. More and more is a bit exaggerated, isn't it? It's good that you can't buy pure alcohol stuff, but if you were completely without it, then you'd have to cut out a lot...
Above all, I know of no ban and certainly no obligation to buy such products.
Hello GiWe, Migros has been selling pralines and other chocolate products with liquid alcohol since October 2007. The decision was approved and sanctioned by the Gottlieb Duttweiler Foundation in spring 2007. With this introduction, we are meeting a customer need and can close a large gap in our product range with this article. Migros has had a number of products containing alcohol in its regular range for years. Zuger Kirschtorte, for example, has been sold since 1959, i.e. during Gottlieb Duttweiler's lifetime. However, this in no way represents a break with the statutes or the ideas of the Migros founder. On the contrary: Gottlieb Duttweiler wanted to counteract the abuse of alcohol and tobacco, but not the consumption of alcohol. Migros still does not sell alcohol in drinkable quantities or containers, as stipulated in the Articles of Association of October 7, 1983, Art. 3 Para. c. Migros does not intend to include wine, beer, spirits or other alcoholic beverages in its product range in the future either. Kind regards, Susi
Hello GiWe, Migros has been selling pralines and other chocolate products with liquid alcohol since October 2007. The decision was approved and sanctioned by the Gottlieb Duttweiler Foundation in spring 2007. With this introduction, we are meeting a customer need and can close a large gap in our product range with this article. Migros has had a number of products containing alcohol in its regular range for years. Zuger Kirschtorte, for example, has been sold since 1959, i.e. during Gottlieb Duttweiler's lifetime. However, this in no way represents a break with the statutes or the ideas of the Migros founder. On the contrary: Gottlieb Duttweiler wanted to counteract the abuse of alcohol and tobacco, but not the consumption of alcohol. Migros still does not sell alcohol in drinkable quantities or containers, as stipulated in the Articles of Association of October 7, 1983, Art. 3 Para. c. Migros does not intend to include wine, beer, spirits or other alcoholic beverages in its product range in the future either. Kind regards, Susi
Thank you very much Susi for this answer, it is informative and comprehensible. best regards GiWe
Since Migros is supposed to be a store that’s ideal for recovering alcoholics, I don’t think Williams chocolate is helpful.
But unfortunately, the issue doesn’t end there.
I actually find those sweets that appeal to children and contain alcohol to be an even bigger problem.
Children, in particular, should stay away from the taste. And under no circumstances should they be made to accept the taste through small doses of alcohol, as is the case with these Easter products—see pictures.
Can Migros
- produce them completely alcohol-free? If the alcohol is essential to the flavor, the product does not belong in children’s hands and
-never be displayed at children’s eye level.
-Finally, please include a clear warning on the packaging next season stating that these are alcoholic products. Regardless of what the law says about this.
I’d bet that if we surveyed shoppers, the majority would want to return the products if they were actively informed about the alcohol content. People simply don’t expect it!
(That’s why I don’t believe in any supposed customer demand or widespread popularity—I wouldn’t accept that claim!)
Since Migros is supposed to be a store that’s ideal for recovering alcoholics, I don’t think Williams chocolate is helpful.
But unfortunately, the issue doesn’t end there.
I actually find those sweets that appeal to children and contain alcohol to be an even bigger problem.
Children, in particular, should stay away from the taste. And under no circumstances should they be made to accept the taste through small doses of alcohol, as is the case with these Easter products—see pictures.
Can Migros
- produce them completely alcohol-free? If the alcohol is essential to the flavor, the product does not belong in children’s hands and
-never be displayed at children’s eye level.
-Finally, please include a clear warning on the packaging next season stating that these are alcoholic products. Regardless of what the law says about this.
I’d bet that if we surveyed shoppers, the majority would want to return the products if they were actively informed about the alcohol content. People simply don’t expect it!
(That’s why I don’t believe in any supposed customer demand or widespread popularity—I wouldn’t accept that claim!)
Hello Feuereidechse, thank you very much for your message and the photos. According to Swiss food legislation, added alcohol—such as wine or schnapps—must be listed in the ingredients. However, a specific label such as “contains alcohol” is only required by law for alcoholic beverages containing more than 1.2% alcohol by volume.
Migros voluntarily labels food and beverages as “Contains alcohol” or “Contains alcohol: Not suitable for children” if the alcohol content exceeds 0.5% by volume, or 0.5% by weight for non-liquid products. Below these thresholds, a product is legally considered non-alcoholic.
For products that still need to be heated, such as sauces or fondue, this label may be omitted. The same applies to soy sauce and vinegar.
Migros stores have always carried—and continue to carry—various products containing small amounts of alcohol. Alcoholic ingredients such as schnapps or wine are used, for example, in certain chocolate products, cakes, ice cream, sauces, or ready-to-eat fondue. The small and clearly declared amounts of alcoholic ingredients in these products do not contradict the spirit of Migros’ founder.In a highly publicized referendum in 2022, Migros cooperative members clearly voted against lifting the ban on alcohol sales. However, this vote was solely about ensuring that Migros continues to refrain from offering alcoholic beverages in its supermarkets.
Regarding the marzipan animals you mentioned: A very small amount of alcohol is added to the marzipan to prevent mold growth. Marzipan is a moist mixture and therefore more susceptible to spoilage. Due to this very small amount, we currently do not include an additional warning label.
Incidentally, certain foods also naturally contain very small amounts of alcohol, such as ripe fruits, fruit juices, sauerkraut, kefir, or vinegar. However, this does not change the fact that your request for greater transparency regarding confectionery products that intentionally contain alcohol is understandable.
We are happy to take your comments regarding the recipe, labeling, and placement of such products into account and will forward them to the relevant departments. Best regards, Tabea
Many products already existed before this vote. More and more is a bit exaggerated, isn't it? It's good that you can't buy pure alcohol stuff, but if you were completely without it, then you'd have to cut out a lot...
Yes, you can overdo it 🤦♀️ Kirschstängeli, Kirschtorte, Schwarzwäldertorte and the like have been available in Migros for a long time and should stay that way. Perfumes and disinfectants also contain alcohol, should these also be banned?
Many products already existed before this vote. More and more is a bit exaggerated, isn't it? It's good that you can't buy pure alcohol stuff, but if you were completely without it, then you'd have to cut out a lot...
Above all, I know of no ban and certainly no obligation to buy such products.
Hello GiWe, Migros has been selling pralines and other chocolate products with liquid alcohol since October 2007. The decision was approved and sanctioned by the Gottlieb Duttweiler Foundation in spring 2007. With this introduction, we are meeting a customer need and can close a large gap in our product range with this article. Migros has had a number of products containing alcohol in its regular range for years. Zuger Kirschtorte, for example, has been sold since 1959, i.e. during Gottlieb Duttweiler's lifetime. However, this in no way represents a break with the statutes or the ideas of the Migros founder. On the contrary: Gottlieb Duttweiler wanted to counteract the abuse of alcohol and tobacco, but not the consumption of alcohol. Migros still does not sell alcohol in drinkable quantities or containers, as stipulated in the Articles of Association of October 7, 1983, Art. 3 Para. c. Migros does not intend to include wine, beer, spirits or other alcoholic beverages in its product range in the future either. Kind regards, Susi
Hello GiWe, Migros has been selling pralines and other chocolate products with liquid alcohol since October 2007. The decision was approved and sanctioned by the Gottlieb Duttweiler Foundation in spring 2007. With this introduction, we are meeting a customer need and can close a large gap in our product range with this article. Migros has had a number of products containing alcohol in its regular range for years. Zuger Kirschtorte, for example, has been sold since 1959, i.e. during Gottlieb Duttweiler's lifetime. However, this in no way represents a break with the statutes or the ideas of the Migros founder. On the contrary: Gottlieb Duttweiler wanted to counteract the abuse of alcohol and tobacco, but not the consumption of alcohol. Migros still does not sell alcohol in drinkable quantities or containers, as stipulated in the Articles of Association of October 7, 1983, Art. 3 Para. c. Migros does not intend to include wine, beer, spirits or other alcoholic beverages in its product range in the future either. Kind regards, Susi
Thank you very much Susi for this answer, it is informative and comprehensible. best regards GiWe
Since Migros is supposed to be a store that’s ideal for recovering alcoholics, I don’t think Williams chocolate is helpful.
But unfortunately, the issue doesn’t end there.
I actually find those sweets that appeal to children and contain alcohol to be an even bigger problem.
Children, in particular, should stay away from the taste. And under no circumstances should they be made to accept the taste through small doses of alcohol, as is the case with these Easter products—see pictures.
Can Migros
- produce them completely alcohol-free? If the alcohol is essential to the flavor, the product does not belong in children’s hands and
-never be displayed at children’s eye level.
-Finally, please include a clear warning on the packaging next season stating that these are alcoholic products. Regardless of what the law says about this.
I’d bet that if we surveyed shoppers, the majority would want to return the products if they were actively informed about the alcohol content. People simply don’t expect it!
(That’s why I don’t believe in any supposed customer demand or widespread popularity—I wouldn’t accept that claim!)
Since Migros is supposed to be a store that’s ideal for recovering alcoholics, I don’t think Williams chocolate is helpful.
But unfortunately, the issue doesn’t end there.
I actually find those sweets that appeal to children and contain alcohol to be an even bigger problem.
Children, in particular, should stay away from the taste. And under no circumstances should they be made to accept the taste through small doses of alcohol, as is the case with these Easter products—see pictures.
Can Migros
- produce them completely alcohol-free? If the alcohol is essential to the flavor, the product does not belong in children’s hands and
-never be displayed at children’s eye level.
-Finally, please include a clear warning on the packaging next season stating that these are alcoholic products. Regardless of what the law says about this.
I’d bet that if we surveyed shoppers, the majority would want to return the products if they were actively informed about the alcohol content. People simply don’t expect it!
(That’s why I don’t believe in any supposed customer demand or widespread popularity—I wouldn’t accept that claim!)
Hello Feuereidechse, thank you very much for your message and the photos. According to Swiss food legislation, added alcohol—such as wine or schnapps—must be listed in the ingredients. However, a specific label such as “contains alcohol” is only required by law for alcoholic beverages containing more than 1.2% alcohol by volume.
Migros voluntarily labels food and beverages as “Contains alcohol” or “Contains alcohol: Not suitable for children” if the alcohol content exceeds 0.5% by volume, or 0.5% by weight for non-liquid products. Below these thresholds, a product is legally considered non-alcoholic.
For products that still need to be heated, such as sauces or fondue, this label may be omitted. The same applies to soy sauce and vinegar.
Migros stores have always carried—and continue to carry—various products containing small amounts of alcohol. Alcoholic ingredients such as schnapps or wine are used, for example, in certain chocolate products, cakes, ice cream, sauces, or ready-to-eat fondue. The small and clearly declared amounts of alcoholic ingredients in these products do not contradict the spirit of Migros’ founder.In a highly publicized referendum in 2022, Migros cooperative members clearly voted against lifting the ban on alcohol sales. However, this vote was solely about ensuring that Migros continues to refrain from offering alcoholic beverages in its supermarkets.
Regarding the marzipan animals you mentioned: A very small amount of alcohol is added to the marzipan to prevent mold growth. Marzipan is a moist mixture and therefore more susceptible to spoilage. Due to this very small amount, we currently do not include an additional warning label.
Incidentally, certain foods also naturally contain very small amounts of alcohol, such as ripe fruits, fruit juices, sauerkraut, kefir, or vinegar. However, this does not change the fact that your request for greater transparency regarding confectionery products that intentionally contain alcohol is understandable.
We are happy to take your comments regarding the recipe, labeling, and placement of such products into account and will forward them to the relevant departments. Best regards, Tabea
