Seasonal or regional – what's more climate-friendly?

When is a product seasonal?

When it's sold freshly after harvesting. This may be Swiss produce or that from other European countries, such as oranges from Spain. Apples, carrots and cabbages are an exception because they can be stored extremely efficiently for weeks.

Is buying seasonal produce sustainable?

Yes, from a climate perspective. A tomato from a field in Italy has a lower carbon footprint, despite being transported, than one that comes from a fossil fuel-heated greenhouse in the region. But for fruit and vegetables, the water footprint must also be taken into account.

What does that mean?

Oranges, for example, need a lot of water to grow, but come from regions where water is scarce. So Migros has introduced a standard for all citrus fruit from Spain to prevent wasteful use of water.

Why does Migros sell out-of-season products at all actually?

We offer a wide range of fruit and vegetables to ensure our customers can enjoy a balanced diet. Ultimately, it's also a question of quantity. Everyone must decide for themselves whether, for example, they need fresh tomatoes in their salad every day. From a climate perspective, consuming seasonal and regional produce is the best option.