Success Stories
Sandro Vanini AG: New Supply Chain in Record Time – New Markets for the Future
Nov 4, 2025
The name Vanini has represented entrepreneurial spirit, professional commitment, and a unique passion for delicacies for over 165 years. As a Swiss quality specialist for refined fruits, Sandro Vanini AG, part of the Haecky Group since 1984, produces chestnut specialties, mustard sauces and fruits, as well as baking ingredients. When urgently seeking a new fig supplier, the company based in Rivera TI could rely on the swift assistance of S‑GE.
What prompted you to contact S-GE?
Beatrice Fasana: In 2017, due to climatic conditions, it was a particularly bad year for fig farmers in the Northern Hemisphere: Our existing suppliers could only deliver about one-third of the usual 300 tons of figs. While searching for new partners, we quickly focused on South America—not least because the harvest time there is a few months offset. To learn more about Brazil, the largest fig producer in South America, we turned to S-GE.
How was the organization able to support your business?
S-GE and the Swiss Business Hub in São Paulo immediately organized a study trip for us to the heart of Brazil's fig-growing region. During this Fact-Finding Trip in spring 2017, we were accompanied professionally—not only by representatives of the Swiss Business Hub but also by government officials, agronomists, and experts in local fig processing.
Switzerland Global Enterprise and the Swiss Business Hubs support us both in sourcing and in accessing new markets. I am impressed with the organization's offerings and especially appreciate the swift response time, goodwill, and high motivation of the consultants.
Beatrice Fasana
Sandro Vanini AGWhat was the result of this trip?
After visiting and evaluating seven farms, with the help of S‑GE, we found a trader who takes care of procurement and handles all logistical details for us. Consequently, we were able to establish a second supply chain in Brazil, which still exists today: Sandro Vanini AG ensures that every year at least one to two 20-foot containers of figs come from our Brazilian partner. He "saved" us in 2017 – and may have to do so again.
What challenges were there in working with the new supplier?
In Brazil, mainly expensive figs for direct consumption are grown. During harvest, the retail sector is supplied first, and the later-picked, fully ripe fruits are processed into jam. However, for our products, figs need to be picked green. Since the fruits near the trunk ripen faster than those at the outer branches, each tree has to be harvested multiple times. Our supplier found suitable partners who are not deterred by this extra effort and who could also expand new cultivation areas. As this is financially compensated by us, we have created a true win-win situation.
Were you also able to open up new markets in Brazil?
We didn't even explore that option since the markets in South America are less attractive for our products. In contrast, Asia is where we aim to continue growing in the coming years.
How will S‑GE support your company in the future?
We are currently searching for high-quality candied fruit cubes. Once a shortlist is available, we will request the corresponding samples. Our goal is to outsource the production of such baking ingredients in the long term.
What is critical for the success of an SME abroad?
Internal and external knowledge must be pooled at an early stage. S‑GE has a broad scope — both in terms of the countries supported and the various markets. However, the experts cannot know every industry in complete detail. It is therefore crucial for a company to familiarize itself with specific conditions and requirements early on. This applies to market entries as well as successful sourcing.
How do you assess the collaboration with S‑GE?
The organization's sourcing services are expensive (laughs), but also great! From our adventure in Brazil, I especially remember the quick response time, good preparation, and comprehensive reporting — as well as the personal support on site by the Swiss Business Hub.
Where do you see Sandro Vanini AG in five years?
We expect similar strong growth by 2028 as in recent years. We aim to achieve this, among other things, by entering new markets.
