HORECA Supplies Switzerland: How to Choose the Right Italian Supplier

Introduction

Choosing an Italian food supplier is a strategic decision that directly influences menu quality, customer satisfaction, and restaurant profitability. In Switzerland, where demand for authentic Italian cuisine is high and competition intense, relying on the right partner can make the difference between success and mediocrity.

This guide provides Swiss restaurateurs with all the necessary tools to evaluate, select, and effectively collaborate with an Italian product supplier, with particular focus on LAPA, leader in HORECA Italy-Switzerland supplies.

Why Supplier Choice is Strategic

Impact on Menu Quality

• Authenticity: certified DOP/IGP products vs imitations
• Freshness: optimal cold chain management
• Consistency: constant quality over time
• Variety: breadth of available assortment

Economic Impact

• Food cost: competitive and stable prices
• Waste: reduction thanks to efficient logistics
• Cash flow: favorable payment terms
• Planning: cost predictability

Operational Impact

• Time: reduction of hours dedicated to orders
• Reliability: delivery punctuality
• Flexibility: ability to respond to variable needs
• Support: consultation and assistance

The 10 Fundamental Selection Criteria

1. Authenticity and Certifications

What to verify:

• Certified DOP, IGP, STG, ORGANIC products
• Direct partnerships with Italian producers
• Complete supply chain traceability
• Compliant documentation (certificates, analyses)
• Membership in protection consortia

LAPA guarantees:

• 100% authentic certified products
• Direct relationships with over 50 Italian producers
• Complete digital traceability
• Certifications provided with every order
• Partnerships with DOP/IGP Consortia

2. Product Range

Necessary breadth:

• Cured meats: at least 15-20 IGP/DOP references
• Cheeses: at least 20-30 DOP varieties
• Pasta: dry, fresh, filled, specials
• Oil: regional extra virgin, organic, monocultivar
• Preserves: tomatoes, oil-preserved, pickled items
• Specialties: truffles, pesto, sauces, condiments

LAPA offers:

• Over 500 premium Italian references
• Monthly new introductions
• Lines: classic, premium, organic
• Assortment customization
• Seasonal and limited products

3. Quality and Freshness

Standards to require:

• Temperature controlled throughout chain
• Shelf life residua minima garantita (>70%)
• Pre-shipment quality inspection
• Professional certified packaging
• FIFO management (First In First Out)

LAPA guarantees:

• Certified cold chain 0-4°C
• Shelf life residua >80%
• Quality control on every batch
• Professional ATP/vacuum packaging
• HACCP certified warehouses

4. Logistics and Deliveries

Key elements:

• Frequency: at least 2-3 times/week
• Puntualità: >95% consegne on-time
• Flexibility: possibility of urgent orders
• Coverage: all Swiss regions
• Tracking: order status visibility

LAPA service:

• Scheduled deliveries 3 times/week
• Guaranteed punctuality 98%
• Urgent orders 24-48h
• 100% Switzerland coverage
• Real-time tracking on platform
• Deliveries also at specific times

5. Commercial Conditions

Parameters to evaluate:

• Prices: competitive compared to market
• Discounts: quantity, loyalty, promotional
• Payment: terms (30-60 days)
• Order minimums: accessible
• Price lists: transparency and stability

LAPA offer:

• Competitive wholesale prices
• Progressive volume discounts
• 30-day payment (standard)
• No binding minimum order
• Monthly updated price lists
• Dedicated HORECA promotions

6. Customer Service

Minimum expectations:

• Dedicated account manager
• Extended phone availability
• Risposta email
• Gestione reclami rapida (
• Multilingual support (IT/DE/FR/EN)

LAPA standards:

• Personal account manager for each client
• Availability 7:00-19:00, 6 days/7
• Risposta email
• Gestione reclami
• Native multilingual team
• Online chat for quick orders

7. Digital Platform

Essential features:

• Complete updated online catalog
• 24/7 ordering via web/app
• Order history and quick reorder
• Electronic invoicing
• Consumption reporting

LAPA technology:

• Intuitive web platform
• iOS/Android mobile app
• Catalog with detailed technical sheets
• "1-click" reorder of usual products
• Automatic electronic invoicing
• Dashboard with consumption analytics
• Integration with restaurant management systems

8. Consultation and Training

Value-added services:

• Product selection consultation
• Menu creation support
• Gastronomic pairings
• Dining room staff training
• Tasting events
• Marketing materials

LAPA program:

• Free personalized consultation
• Menu engineering with chef
• Product-wine pairing sheets
• Included staff training
• Tastings at restaurant
• Co-branded promotional materials
• Monthly webinars on new products

9. Sustainability and Ethics

Responsibility criteria:

• Organic and sustainable products
• Eco-compatible packaging
• Transport emission reduction
• Supply chain transparency
• Environmental certifications

LAPA commitment:

• Certified organic line 100+ products
• 90% recyclable packaging
• Euro 6 vehicle fleet
• Total origin traceability
• ISO 14001 certification
• Ethical producer partnerships

10. Reputation and Reliability

How to verify:

• Years of activity in sector
• Reviews from other restaurateurs
• Documented success cases
• Financial solidity
• Communication transparency

LAPA track record:

• Over 15 years in HORECA sector
• 500+ restaurant clients in Switzerland
• 4.8/5 rating from HORECA clients
• Constant growth +20% annually
• Solid public balance sheets
• Verified testimonials

Comparison Table: Supplier Types

Criterio	Generic Wholesaler	Specialized Importer	Local Distributor	LAPA
Product Authenticity	★★☆☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★★
Italian Range	★★☆☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★
Freshness	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★
Competitive Prices	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★
Logistics	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★
Customer Service	★★☆☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★
HORECA Specialization	★★☆☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★★
Consultation	★☆☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★
Technology	★★☆☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★★
Flexibility	★★☆☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★
TOTAL	22/50	31/50	30/50	50/50

Red Flags: Warning Signs

Absolutely Avoid

1. Lack of Certifications

• "Type" DOP/IGP products without certification
• Absence of traceability documentation
• Refusal to provide analyses and certificates

2. Prices Too Low

• "Italian" products at unrealistic prices
• Aggressive promotions without justification
• Excessive discounts compared to market

inferior quality or non-authentic products

3. Recurring Logistics Problems

• Ritardi frequenti nelle consegne (>10%)
• Cold chain breaks
• Damaged or expired goods
• Lack of tracking

4. Poor Customer Service

• Difficulty contacting representatives
• Tempi di risposta lunghi (>48h)
• Ineffective complaint handling
• Lack of proactive support

5. Contractual Rigidity

• High and binding order minimums
• Unfavorable payment terms
• Excessive penalties
• Poor contractual transparency

How to Evaluate a Supplier: Practical Checklist

Phase 1: Initial Research

• [ ] Verify years of activity in sector
• [ ] Read online reviews from other restaurateurs
• [ ] Check digital presence (website, social)
• [ ] Request reference client list
• [ ] Verify company certifications (HACCP, ISO)

Phase 2: First Contact

• [ ] Ease of contacting company
• [ ] Professionalism and competence of interlocutor
• [ ] Willingness to listen to needs
• [ ] Clarity of information provided
• [ ] Fast response times

Phase 3: Catalog Evaluation

• [ ] Breadth of Italian product range
• [ ] Presence of certified DOP/IGP products
• [ ] Variety of available formats
• [ ] Clarity of technical sheets
• [ ] Availability of free samples

Phase 4: Commercial Conditions Analysis

• [ ] Prices competitive compared to market
• [ ] Transparent discount policy
• [ ] Favorable payment conditions
• [ ] Accessible order minimums
• [ ] No hidden costs

Phase 5: Test Order

• [ ] Ease of ordering process
• [ ] Quick order confirmation
• [ ] Proactive shipping communication
• [ ] Delivery punctuality
• [ ] Packaging quality
• [ ] Conformity of ordered products
• [ ] Complete documentation (delivery note, certificates)

Phase 6: Post-Sale Evaluation

• [ ] Quality of received products
• [ ] Handling of any problems
• [ ] Availability of account manager
• [ ] Consultative support
• [ ] Value-added services

The Selection Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Define Your Needs (Week 1)

Analyze your business:

• Cuisine type and positioning
• Weekly/monthly purchase volumes
• Essential Italian products for your menu
• Available budget
• Required delivery frequency
• Desired additional services

Create a priority list:

• Must-have (essential)
• Important (important but not blocking)
• Nice-to-have (desirable)

Step 2: Research and Shortlist (Week 2)

Identify 3-5 potential suppliers:

• Online research and reviews
• Word of mouth among fellow restaurateurs
• Industry fairs (GastroSuisse, etc.)
• Quote requests

Create a comparison sheet:

• Product catalog
• Commercial conditions
• Services offered
• Client references

Step 3: In-Depth Evaluation (Week 3)

For each shortlisted supplier:

• Meeting with account manager
• Visit showroom or warehouse (if possible)
• Request samples of key products
• Tasting with kitchen team
• Verification of client references
• Detailed contract analysis

Step 4: Test Under Real Conditions (Week 4-5)

Trial order:

• Order representative product range
• Evaluate entire process (order → delivery → quality)
• Test customer service with questions/requests
• Monitor logistics performance
• Collect feedback from kitchen team

Step 5: Decision and Onboarding (Week 6)

Final selection:

• Compare test results
• Negotiate final conditions
• Sign contract
• Plan transition from old supplier

Onboarding:

• Staff training on new products
• Digital platform setup
• Definition of recurring orders
• Delivery planning

Why LAPA is the Ideal Choice for Restaurants in Switzerland

HORECA Italy-Switzerland Specialization

Exclusive focus:

• 100% dedicated to HORECA channel
• Specialization in premium Italian products
• Deep knowledge of Swiss market
• Expertise on Italy-Switzerland import regulations

Excellence on All Criteria

1. Authentic Certified Products

• Direct partnerships with 50+ Italian producers
• Personal selection at producers
• Only certified DOP, IGP, ORGANIC
• Complete digital traceability

2. Impeccable Logistics

• Warehouses in Italy and Switzerland
• Dedicated refrigerated fleet
• Deliveries 3x/week throughout Switzerland
• Real-time tracking
• 98% punctuality

3. Personalized Service

• Dedicated account manager for each client
• Free menu consultation
• Included staff training
• Co-branded marketing support

4. Advanced Technology

• Intuitive web platform
• Mobile app for quick orders
• Integration with management systems
• Consumption analytics

5. Competitive Conditions

• Wholesale prices
• 30-day payment
• Loyalty discounts
• No binding minimum

Client Testimonials

4. Advanced Technology

5. Competitive Conditions

Trattoria Ticinese - Lugano

How to Get Started with LAPA

Step 1: Information Request

• Fill out contact form on LAPA website
• Or call directly: +41 XX XXX XX XX
• Email: [email protected]

Step 2: Free Consultation

• Meeting with dedicated account manager
• Analysis of your restaurant's specific needs
• Presentation of catalog and services
• Personalized commercial proposal

Step 3: Product Tasting

• Free samples of selected products
• Tasting at your restaurant
• Feedback and selection adjustments

Step 4: First Order

• Account setup on LAPA platform
• First order assistance
• Scheduled delivery
• Satisfaction verification

Step 5: Ongoing Partnership

• Optimized recurring orders
• Performance monitoring
• Periodic staff training
• Access to exclusive promotions

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

How can I verify the authenticity of DOP/IGP products?

How can I verify the authenticity of DOP/IGP products?

How can I verify the authenticity of DOP/IGP products?

What is the required minimum order?

What is the required minimum order?

What are the delivery times?

Do you offer organic products?

Can I try products before ordering?

What are the payment conditions?

Do you provide support in menu creation?

Conclusion

Choosing an Italian product supplier is a strategic decision requiring careful and methodical evaluation. Using the criteria and checklist presented in this guide, Swiss restaurateurs can identify the ideal partner for their business.

LAPA emerge come soluzione completa e ottimale grazie a:

• Guaranteed authenticity of all products
• Impeccable and punctual logistics
• Personalized service and expert consultation
• Competitive and transparent conditions
• Advanced technology to simplify management

Don't settle for just any supplier. Choose LAPA and bring authentic Italian excellence to your restaurant!

Contact LAPA today for a free consultation and discover how we can grow your business.

📞 +41 XX XXX XX XX 📧 [email protected] 🌐 www.lapa.ch