History
The SIC was founded on 3rd February 1916, in the middle of the First World War. At that time the federal government intended, with the founding of the „Société Suisse de Surveillance“, to control all so far free imports. So that the comestible dealers were still free in their business activities, it was necessary to set up a syndicate.
At the time of its establishment the branch had to contend with importation problems on a grand scale. In order to reduce the consequences of the difficult conditions, the SIC organised a buying commission, however it could only be maintained secondarily, and by the year 1930 it had already ceased its activities.
During the economic depression the stream of tourists coming to Switzerland terminated abruptly. This had an effect not only on the hotel and catering industry, but also on the comestibles branch. Embargos of imports as well as fixing of quotas were the order of the day.
All these factors led to a show of solidarity in the industry. In these hard times, in which everyone was against everyone else, an idea to back up the entire branch with a new collective purchasing centre was in the air. So on 22nd January 1934 the SIC gave birth to its subsidiary, the CASIC Purchasing Cooperative Society.
Goals/Philosophy
Goal of the association is to promote and to safeguard the common interests of the members. We endeavour to do this with direct advice, by intervening with the authorities within the context of the enforcement of statutory submittals, with trips for members to producers and suppliers as well as using PR measures.
