The Alnatura organic food stores in Bern have closed their doors ahead of schedule, with both city center locations ceasing operations last Friday. This rapid closure comes as part of a broader restructuring effort by Migros, which had initially announced the stores would remain open until the end of 2025.
The unexpected shutdown has surprised many customers, who found the stores in Aarbergergasse and Bärenplatz already closed. Signage at the Aarbergergasse branch confirmed its final day of business was last Friday.
Key Takeaways
- Alnatura stores in Bern closed prematurely last Friday, not end of 2025 as planned.
- The Aarbergergasse location, opened just 16 months ago, is considered a significant misinvestment.
- German discounter Müller will take over the Aarbergergasse site.
- Migros President Ursula Nold seeks another two-year term, earning CHF 441,000 in 2024.
- Bern's culinary scene features chef events and a new co-management at Restaurant Zoe.
Alnatura's Swift Exit from Bern
Customers arriving at Alnatura stores in Bern's city center last Saturday found the doors unexpectedly locked. The branch on Aarbergergasse had its last day of trading on Friday, November 1st. The Bärenplatz location also closed its doors.
This swift action contradicts earlier statements from September, which indicated that Alnatura markets would close by the end of 2025. The accelerated timeline suggests an urgent move by management.
Quick Fact
The Alnatura store in Aarbergergasse operated for only 16 months before its closure, having opened in June 2024.
The space previously occupied by Alnatura in Aarbergergasse will soon see new activity. German discount retailer Müller is set to open another branch there. The future of the Bärenplatz site remains uncertain, as its lease agreement is expiring.
Migros's Investment and Strategic Shift
Migros Zürich initially brought the Alnatura brand to Switzerland in 2012. However, the venture did not achieve sustainable success. Early this year, Migros management decided to exit the organic food business. Efforts to find a buyer to continue operating the Swiss Alnatura stores were unsuccessful.
The Aarbergergasse branch, in particular, has been identified as a significant misinvestment. Despite its recent opening, it failed to meet expectations.
Background on Migros Restructuring
The closure of Alnatura stores is part of a broader strategy by Migros to streamline its operations and focus on core businesses. This initiative, led by Migros President Ursula Nold, aims to improve the cooperative's overall financial health.
Migros Leadership and Future Plans
Ursula Nold, the Bernese president of the Migros Cooperative Federation, is pursuing another two-year term. Her re-election bid for the supervisory body of Migros Switzerland was confirmed by the press office.
Nold's current term is set to conclude in March 2026. She had previously declined to comment on her re-election plans just a week prior. The presidential role is well-compensated.
"The role of Migros President is a demanding one, guiding a major Swiss retailer through evolving market conditions," a spokesperson for Migros indicated.
For the 2024 fiscal year, Nold received a compensation package totaling CHF 441,000.
Bern's Vibrant Culinary Scene
Beyond retail changes, Bern's gastronomic landscape continues to evolve. Renowned chefs are increasingly gaining public recognition, partly due to television shows and social media. This trend inspired Bernese PR consultant Heinz Blunier and chef Mathias Droz to organize a special culinary event.
They invited several award-winning chefs to cook for 80 guests. The event showcased the creativity and skill of these culinary artists.
Participating Chefs
- Christoph Hunziker (Schüpbärgbeizli, 15 Gault Millau points)
- Ben Jann (Restaurant Essort, 15 Gault Millau points)
- Aurélien Mettler (Fiescherblick in Grindelwald, 16 Gault Millau points)
- Sandro Dubach (former Sous-Chef at Eisblume in Worb)
- Urs Lüthi (former Essort)
The guests at the Sensi event location in Gümligen were consistently impressed by the unique dishes served.
Upcoming Culinary Competitions and Restaurant News
The culinary excitement continues this week at the Grosse Halle of Bern's Reitschule. The non-profit organization Cuisine sans frontières is hosting the Kitchen Battle competition from November 6th to 8th.
On Thursday, Bernese chefs Emil Bolli and Werner Rothen will compete. Saturday will feature a duel between Schöngrün and the team from Restaurant Porzi in Langenthal. Friday's event will be a special anniversary menu prepared by top chefs from Gstaad.
Tickets for Thursday's event are still available at CHF 150. The other two evenings are already sold out.
Restaurant Zoe Changes Leadership
In other restaurant news, Fabian Raffeiner is leaving Restaurant Zoe in Bern's Old Town after three years as head chef. He is returning to his family in South Tyrol. Maël Hêche and Joel Coray will take over as co-kitchen managers.
A Warm Welcome to Autumn with Sauna
Finally, for those seeking warmth as autumn settles in, the sauna at Lorrainebad has been back in operation for nearly ten days. The operating team sent out a unique email to customers, including a Finnish version.
The Finnish message reads: "Syksy on täällä, ja viileämmät lämpötilat saavat meidät odottamaan saunomista." This translates to: "Autumn is here, and with cooler temperatures, we look forward to sauna."
This gesture adds a touch of international charm to Bern's local amenities, inviting residents to embrace the cooler weather with a relaxing sauna experience.