Swiss buyers, agents and distributors use the trade shows as a means of finding new products to a greater extent than their U.S. counterparts. Commitments should be scrupulously observed, or the likelihood of success in the market may be seriously compromised, as word travels quickly in Switzerland. Professionals in a given market sector are in fairly close contact with one another and an exporter's actions soon become common knowledge. As a prosperous, highly developed Western democracy with a modern market economy, Switzerland's business customs and practices are akin to those of other northern European countries. Dress Men and women are expected to dress formally and conservatively.
Business suits are appropriate for men and women.
Pant suits as well as skirts of a conservative length are appropriate for women. A handshake is the most acceptable form of greeting, both in business and social meetings. Meals Swiss cuisine is varied. The great specialty is fondue, the delicious concoction of Gruy re and Emmental cheese, melted and mixed with white wine, flour, Kirsch and a little garlic. Other cheese specialties are Emmental and T te de Moine.