Establishment of the Swiss Nettle as a domestic Superfood

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Examination and Utilization of the Marketing Potential of the Nettle in Comparison to Imported SuperfoodsThis project aims to establish the nettle as a domestic superfood. Examination and Utilization of the Marketing Potential of the Nettle in Comparison to Imported SuperfoodsThis project aims to establish the nettle as a domestic superfood. First, we would like to conduct a scientific study that investigates the social and ecological impacts of the nettle as a sustainable food product and its use as an innovative superfood. While the nutritional content of the nettle compared to other superfoods is well documented, comprehensive studies on its greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity benefits, and other environmental aspects, as well as in-depth product development including sensory tests, are lacking. The study aims to provide a solid foundation for positioning the nettle against imported products such as matcha. The research contract could, for example, be awarded to ZHAW.In addition to the scientific investigation, a marketing consultancy will be conducted to enable long-term market access for SwissNettle nettles. The focus will be on raising awareness in the gastronomy sector, product placement, and promoting existing cultivation areas.Background & Necessity: Superfoods such as matcha, chia seeds, or goji berries are becoming increasingly popular but are criticized for long transport routes and questionable cultivation methods. The nettle could be a sustainable alternative, as it can be grown locally and used in a variety of ways. A student study from the University of Hohenheim compared the nutritional content of nettles with various superfoods and green vegetables. It was found that the nettle is superior in several aspects. For example, 100 grams of nettle cover 100% of the daily iron requirement, while lamb’s lettuce and lettuce cover only 40-60%, and matcha and barley grass about 10%. These results demonstrate that the domestic nettle is a valuable alternative to imported superfoods in terms of specific nutrients. Nevertheless, reliable data on its ecological and social impacts are lacking. A scientific study is needed to: • Quantify the climate balance of the nettle, • Assess its biodiversity advantages, • Analyze the social and economic aspects of its cultivation, • Enable a fact-based positioning against imported superfoods.2 Project Objectives:• Environmental Balance of the Nettle: Analysis of CO₂ emissions along the value chain. • Biodiversity Aspects: Study of the positive effects on soil, insects, and ecosystems. • Socio-Economic Factors: Assessment of regional value creation and social sustainability. • Comparison with Imported Superfoods: Analysis of environmental and social balances. • Product Development & Sensory Tests: Evaluation of acceptance and processing methods of various components (leaf, stem, seeds). • Marketing & Awareness: Development of a strategy for market entry, particularly in the gastronomy and health sectors.3 Methodology & Implementation: The study could be conducted by ZHAW and may include the following components:Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):Comparison of nettle with matcha regarding energy consumption, water demand, and CO₂ emissions.Analysis of agricultural practices and transport routes.Biodiversity AnalysisExamination of impacts on soil, pollinators, and biodiversity.Field studies and data analysis in collaboration with local farms.Results Preparation & CommunicationCreation of a scientific report and a compact management summary.Presentation of results to expert circles, at conferences, and through public publications.4 Marketing Consultancy & AwarenessIn addition to the scientific investigation, a marketing consultancy will focus on long-term market access and awareness of the nettle in the gastronomy and health sectors: • Development of a positioning strategy for SwissNettle. • Awareness campaign for sustainable foods. • Networking with gastronomy professionals and food manufacturers. • Creation of application guides and recipe ideas for the gastronomy sector. • Organization of tastings and information events.5 Long-Term Perspective The goal is to position the nettle as an ecologically advantageous alternative to established superfoods and to further expand research in this area. The study could also provide incentives for political measures to promote local, sustainable food products.The subsequent marketing consultancy ensures that the scientific findings are used in practice. Raising awareness in the gastronomy sector is intended to increase demand for regional nettle in the long term and establish SwissNettle as a sustainable brand.

Project Idea Metadata

• Project Idea Name: Establishment of the Swiss Nettle as a domestic Superfood
• Date: 3/28/2025 2:16:25 PM
• Administrators:
  • Isabel Sommer

Project Idea Description

Examination and Utilization of the Marketing Potential of the Nettle in Comparison to Imported Superfoods

This project aims to establish the nettle as a domestic superfood. First, we would like to conduct a scientific study that investigates the social and ecological impacts of the nettle as a sustainable food product and its use as an innovative superfood. While the nutritional content of the nettle compared to other superfoods is well documented, comprehensive studies on its greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity benefits, and other environmental aspects, as well as in-depth product development including sensory tests, are lacking. The study aims to provide a solid foundation for positioning the nettle against imported products such as matcha. The research contract could, for example, be awarded to ZHAW.

In addition to the scientific investigation, a marketing consultancy will be conducted to enable long-term market access for SwissNettle nettles. The focus will be on raising awareness in the gastronomy sector, product placement, and promoting existing cultivation areas.

Background & Necessity: Superfoods such as matcha, chia seeds, or goji berries are becoming increasingly popular but are criticized for long transport routes and questionable cultivation methods. The nettle could be a sustainable alternative, as it can be grown locally and used in a variety of ways. A student study from the University of Hohenheim compared the nutritional content of nettles with various superfoods and green vegetables. It was found that the nettle is superior in several aspects. For example, 100 grams of nettle cover 100% of the daily iron requirement, while lamb’s lettuce and lettuce cover only 40-60%, and matcha and barley grass about 10%.

These results demonstrate that the domestic nettle is a valuable alternative to imported superfoods in terms of specific nutrients. Nevertheless, reliable data on its ecological and social impacts are lacking. A scientific study is needed to: • Quantify the climate balance of the nettle, • Assess its biodiversity advantages, • Analyze the social and economic aspects of its cultivation, • Enable a fact-based positioning against imported superfoods.

2 Project Objectives:

• Environmental Balance of the Nettle: Analysis of CO₂ emissions along the value chain. • Biodiversity Aspects: Study of the positive effects on soil, insects, and ecosystems. • Socio-Economic Factors: Assessment of regional value creation and social sustainability. • Comparison with Imported Superfoods: Analysis of environmental and social balances. • Product Development & Sensory Tests: Evaluation of acceptance and processing methods of various components (leaf, stem, seeds). • Marketing & Awareness: Development of a strategy for market entry, particularly in the gastronomy and health sectors.

3 Methodology & Implementation:

The study could be conducted by ZHAW and may include the following components:

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):

• • Comparison of nettle with matcha regarding energy consumption, water demand, and CO₂ emissions.
  • Analysis of agricultural practices and transport routes.

Biodiversity Analysis

• • Examination of impacts on soil, pollinators, and biodiversity.
  • Field studies and data analysis in collaboration with local farms.

Results Preparation & Communication

• • Creation of a scientific report and a compact management summary.
  • Presentation of results to expert circles, at conferences, and through public publications.

4 Marketing Consultancy & Awareness

In addition to the scientific investigation, a marketing consultancy will focus on long-term market access and awareness of the nettle in the gastronomy and health sectors: • Development of a positioning strategy for SwissNettle. • Awareness campaign for sustainable foods. • Networking with gastronomy professionals and food manufacturers. • Creation of application guides and recipe ideas for the gastronomy sector. • Organization of tastings and information events.

5 Long-Term Perspective

The goal is to position the nettle as an ecologically advantageous alternative to established superfoods and to further expand research in this area. The study could also provide incentives for political measures to promote local, sustainable food products.

The subsequent marketing consultancy ensures that the scientific findings are used in practice. Raising awareness in the gastronomy sector is intended to increase demand for regional nettle in the long term and establish SwissNettle as a sustainable brand.

Examination and Utilization of the Marketing Potential of the Nettle in Comparison to Imported Superfoods

This project aims to establish the nettle as a domestic superfood.