28/09/2026
I’ve lived in Switzerland for over a decade but grew up in Southern California. I’ve seen all the wellness trends from near and far, and even used to bring back a luggage filled with my health food items that I couldn’t find in Switzerland. Up until a few years ago, finding almond butter, healthier granola options or chia seeds was impossible! What’s the difference?
1. Markets in LA offer an experiential destination where consumers discover what is trending in wellness. Think modern apothecaries, juice bars with functional ingredients and organic hot food bars.
2. Supermarkets such as Erewhon and Laurel Supply are luxury spots, they are so aesthetically pleasing, and beauty sells. Swiss organic staples are federally price protected. You won’t be finding $23 smoothies, $9 water bottles, and $19 for one fancy strawberry.
3. LA health food thrives on hyper-speed innovation, constantly introducing rare adaptogens, functional tonics, and algorithmic trends. Swiss grocery culture relies on national organic standards (like Bio Suisse) favoring traditional, locally sourced whole foods over hyper-processed wellness novelties.
4. In LA, a $23 smoothie sells because consumers are buying into an aspirational, influencer-backed lifestyle brand. In Geneva, people would find this financially impractical, and a marketing gimmick. And believe me, groceries are very expensive in Switzerland! There, simplicity works.
