10th Indian Delegation to Dubai, Gitex & Expand North Star – World’s Largest Startup Investor Connect
Exclusive News

Migros Brot: Swiss Retail Giant Reinvents Its Bakery Range Amid Competition from Aldi

Migros Expands Fresh Bread Offerings Across Switzerland

Zurich, Switzerland (October 2025) — Switzerland’s retail leader Migros has announced a major revamp of its bakery line, known as Migros Brot, as it doubles down on local sourcing, sustainability, and freshness to compete with rising rivals like Aldi Brot. The move signals Migros’s renewed focus on traditional Swiss craftsmanship, responding to evolving consumer tastes and growing demand for healthier, artisanal bread options.

The updated Migros Brot range will include new varieties made from regional grains, organic spelt, and sourdough, as well as gluten-free options. According to a statement from Migros, the bakery revamp aims to “combine Swiss baking traditions with modern nutrition values,” ensuring that customers can enjoy both authenticity and quality at affordable prices.

Local Ingredients and Freshness at the Core

Migros has long been known for its emphasis on local production, and the new Migros Brot line continues this tradition. The company announced partnerships with several Swiss grain cooperatives to source flour directly from local farms. This initiative not only strengthens the domestic food chain but also reduces the carbon footprint of bread production.

A spokesperson for Migros told Nau.ch that the bakery expansion includes over 40 varieties of bread, freshly baked daily in in-store ovens. “Customers are seeking transparency and freshness — they want to know where their food comes from. Migros Brot reflects that,” the spokesperson said.

Among the new offerings are the “Bauernbrot Rustikal”, “Bio-Dinkel Kruste”, and “Vollkorn Vitalbrot”, all baked with naturally fermented dough to improve flavor and digestibility.

Aldi Brot Competition Heats Up

The Swiss bread market has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with Aldi Suisse investing heavily in its Aldi Brot range. Aldi’s strategy focuses on value-for-money and rapid product turnover, offering fresh loaves several times a day at lower price points.

However, Migros aims to differentiate itself through quality and heritage rather than price alone. “While Aldi Brot attracts customers through affordability, Migros Brot is winning loyalty through trust, origin, and Swiss craftsmanship,” notes retail analyst Markus Steiner.

He adds that bread remains a critical product category in Swiss supermarkets, symbolizing both freshness and brand credibility. “For Swiss consumers, bread is not just food — it’s part of identity. The retailer that best captures that connection stands to benefit.”

Focus on Sustainability and Nutrition

In line with Migros’s 2025 sustainability goals, the Migros Brot portfolio highlights environmentally responsible production. The company is reducing packaging waste by expanding paper-based wrapping and encouraging customers to use reusable bread bags.

Additionally, the bakery team has reduced salt levels and replaced refined flour with whole grains in several products to promote healthier eating. According to Migros, over 60% of its bread varieties now meet Switzerland’s “balanced nutrition” standards.

The retailer also introduced a digital traceability feature in select stores, allowing customers to scan a QR code on the bread label to learn about the grain’s origin and the baker who prepared it.

Swiss Consumers Welcome the Change

Early reactions from shoppers and food critics have been positive. Nau.ch reported that customers appreciate the expanded selection and improved freshness in Migros stores. “The crusts are crispier, and the taste reminds me of bakery bread from my childhood,” said one Zurich customer.

On social media, the hashtag #MigrosBrot has seen growing traction, with food bloggers posting side-by-side comparisons of Migros Brot vs. Aldi Brot, praising Migros for offering “authentic Swiss flavor” while maintaining accessibility across the country’s regions.

Expanding In-Store Bakery Experience

To further enhance the experience, Migros is redesigning its in-store bakery sections, featuring open ovens where customers can see loaves being baked in real time. The initiative mirrors similar efforts by European retailers to merge production and retail spaces, giving shoppers a sense of connection to their food.

These bakery stations are already operational in major cities like Zurich, Bern, Basel, and Lausanne, with plans to expand to smaller towns by mid-2026.

The Future of Migros Brot

Industry experts view the Migros Brot relaunch as part of the company’s broader strategy to maintain market leadership amid growing pressure from discount chains and e-commerce grocery startups. By focusing on authenticity, local production, and customer experience, Migros is reinforcing its position not just as a retailer but as a custodian of Swiss culinary tradition.

“The bread counter is where Swiss trust is built,” says food economist Claudia Hugentobler. “Migros understands that, and it’s why Migros Brot will likely set the new standard for quality and freshness in the years to come.”

Conclusion

With the launch of its enhanced Migros Brot range, Migros reaffirms its commitment to Swiss tradition, sustainability, and innovation. The company’s efforts to source locally, improve health standards, and compete with Aldi Brot signal a stronger, fresher future for Swiss bread lovers.

As competition intensifies, one thing remains clear — when it comes to bread, Swiss consumers have never had it so good.

For more updates on business, food trends, and startups, visit Startup News.

by Sameera

Indian Passport Services Provider Faces Major Setback In a significant development, BLS International, the global outsourcing and technology services provider for government and diplomatic missions, has been debarred from participating in Indian government tenders. The decision, reported by Khaleej Times, has created ripples across the travel and visa service sector, as BLS International plays a crucial role in handling passport, visa, and consular services for millions of Indians worldwide. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has reportedly suspended the company’s eligibility to bid for new contracts following concerns raised over procedural issues in service delivery. This marks one of the most impactful regulatory actions in the outsourcing domain in recent years, especially given BLS International’s extensive presence across more than 66 countries. What Triggered the Debarment According to official sources cited by Khaleej Times, the MEA’s decision comes after internal reviews pointed to non-compliance with contractual obligations in certain overseas passport and visa service centers managed by BLS International. While the exact reasons for the debarment have not been publicly disclosed, government officials hinted at administrative lapses and inconsistencies in customer service delivery, including delays and document-handling issues. An official statement from the MEA confirmed that BLS International has been temporarily debarred from bidding for new tenders, though it may continue to manage existing contracts until their term ends or is otherwise terminated by mutual consent. Impact on Passport and Visa Services BLS International is one of the largest global players in the outsourced visa and passport service sector, managing processes for countries including India, Spain, Italy, and Canada. In the UAE alone, the company operates several Indian Passport and Visa Application Centers, assisting tens of thousands of Indian expatriates every month. The debarment has led to concerns among travelers and expatriates about possible disruptions in services. However, officials clarified that existing passport and visa centers will remain operational until further notice, ensuring continuity for applicants currently in process. The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have also assured the public that passport renewal, visa, and OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) services will continue without interruption. BLS International’s Response In response to the development, BLS International Services Ltd. issued a statement expressing surprise at the MEA’s decision and confirming that it has sought clarification from the ministry. The company emphasized its long-standing relationship with the Indian government and its track record of managing millions of applications efficiently and securely. BLS International also noted that it adheres to strict data privacy and service protocols and is confident that the issue will be resolved soon. “BLS International remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of service and compliance. We are actively engaging with the concerned authorities to clarify and resolve the matter at the earliest,” the company said in its official statement. Stock Market Reaction Following the news, BLS International’s share price experienced a sharp decline on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), with the stock dropping over 8% intraday as investors reacted …

by Vivek Kumar

Times Network, India’s premium broadcast network will be hosting the Pickleball Now Grand Prix, a first-of-its-kind premium lifestyle sporting initiative, on 30 August 2025 at GoRally, Whitefield, Bengaluru. More than just a competition, the Grand Prix brings together sport, lifestyle, and community connections in one high-energy showcase. The daylong event will host over 250 registered players and 500+ attendees, with matches played across 7 dedicated courts. Participants will compete for a ₹2 Lakh prize pool, trophies, medals, and recognition for 14 winners and 14 runners-up. The tournament features four competitive categories, designed to engage both intermediate and advanced players Men’s Doubles – Intermediate & Open (Advanced), Women’s Doubles – Intermediate & Open (Advanced), Mixed Doubles – Intermediate & Open (Advanced), Mystery Partner – Intermediate only, adding a fun and unpredictable twist with randomly paired teammates. All matches are affiliated with Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), with official ranking points updated on the platform.  The Pickleball Now Grand Prix has attracted marquee brands across lifestyle, tech, mobility, and consumer categories, underscoring its premium positioning. The event is presented by Hell Energy Drink and driven by MG Motors, with strong support from partners including Skechers (Footwear Partner), Just In Time (Official Timekeeper), Aris Perfumes (Freshness Partner), River Bikes (Ride Mobility Partner), Amity University (University Partner), CoinDCX (Crypto Partner), Radico (Celebration Partner), Zoho (Tech Partner), Acerpure (Lifestyle Partner), Assetz Builders (Realty Partner), Airavat (Equipment Partner), and Stayvista (Luxury Stay Partner). With world-class competition, a vibrant lifestyle showcase, and the support of leading brands, the Pickleball Now Grand Prix is set to redefine the sporting experience in Bengaluru. By blending athletic excellence with premium partnerships and community engagement, the event marks a significant step in positioning pickleball as one of India’s fastest-growing and most aspirational sports.

by Amar Deep

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is likely to issue an order to Meta-owned instant messaging app WhatsApp for allegedly breaching the country’s competition laws. As per Livemint, citing sources close to the matter, a contentious update on WhatsApp privacy policy and service terms has attracted the wrath from the CCI and the order from the watchdog for fairness in trade practices may include a penalty, too. The report further said that the messaging giant’s controversial 2021 update would allow WhatsApp to share certain user data with Meta. The sources also confirmed that the director general of investigation of CCI has concluded that WhatsApp and Meta contravened the provisions of competition law that prohibit abuse of dominance. As per the Competition Act revision in 2023, the regulatory watchdog is allowed to levy penalties of up to 10% of the average turnover for the preceding three financial years on guilty enterprises. This comes just over a month after WhatsApp started rolling out the Meta Verified badge feature for all eligible small businesses in India, which will allow them to send personalised messages to customers. Earlier in June, Meta said that it would roll out the Meta Verified programme for WhatsApp business users in India. Later, the social media giant also launched the Verified service for brands on Facebook and Instagram. In April, WhatsApp told the Delhi High Court that it would end its India operations if the platform was forced to break its message encryption. Following that, I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed to the Rajya Sabha that WhatsApp and its parent company Meta have not informed the government of any plans to shut down their services in India. It is important to note global tech giants such as Meta, Google, and Microsoft have been under regulatory scrutiny in various cases across India. From January to June last year, Indian authorities issued a total of 70,612 content take-down requests across all Meta platforms. Of these, 63,586 were legal process requests, while the remaining were classified as ‘emergency disclosure requests’. With rising digitisation, India has emerged as an important market for big tech giants like Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, among others. Last year, Meta also joined hands with ONDC to bring small businesses on the network.