Celebrating our Swiss roots and showcasing our innovation
10,000 Syngenta flowers will make Switzerland's largest sporting event bloom
Celebrating our Swiss roots and showcasing our innovation
10,000 Syngenta flowers will make Switzerland's largest sporting event bloom
Imagine you're new to Switzerland, meandering through the charming vistas and snacking on delicious chocolate, as one does. Unexpectedly, you come across a festival scene with two giant men in a sawdust ring, grappling like bears performing a ballet. You might rub your eyes and wonder if you've wandered into a bizarre dream... Welcome to the world of Schwingen (Swiss wrestling), a sport that's as uniquely Swiss as cheese fondue!
Starting as a pastime for herdsmen and farmers back in the 13th century, Schwingen became a national sport about 200 years ago. Today, wrestlers from all over Switzerland compete at festivals in regions and cantons. The champion Schwinger (Schwingerkönig) is chosen at the ESAF (Eidgenössisches Schwing- und Älplerfest), which takes place only every three years. It takes place in different cantons and regularly attracts over 400,000 spectators, making it the largest recurring sporting event in Switzerland.
Imagine you're new to Switzerland, meandering through the charming vistas and snacking on delicious chocolate, as one does. Unexpectedly, you come across a festival scene with two giant men in a sawdust ring, grappling like bears performing a ballet. You might rub your eyes and wonder if you've wandered into a bizarre dream... Welcome to the world of Schwingen (Swiss wrestling), a sport that's as uniquely Swiss as cheese fondue!
Starting as a pastime for herdsmen and farmers back in the 13th century, Schwingen became a national sport about 200 years ago. Today, wrestlers from all over Switzerland compete at festivals in regions and cantons. The champion Schwinger (Schwingerkönig) is chosen at the ESAF (Eidgenössisches Schwing- und Älplerfest), which takes place only every three years. It takes place in different cantons and regularly attracts over 400,000 spectators, making it the largest recurring sporting event in Switzerland.
What does Syngenta have in common with Schwingen, besides the first letter?
Fair question – there are actually more similarities than you might think. First, there's the strong link to farming. Since farmers are our customers, it's a natural fit for us to engage in Swiss wrestling events where we can closely interact with them on many levels. We've been doing this for many years, and we're especially pleased to be the official flower partner at this year's ESAF.
Speaking of flowers: "Floral decorations are a part of all traditional events and festivals in Switzerland." Transforming Switzerland's largest cultural and sports event into a colorful experience for all the senses – with over 10,000 Syngenta plants on display across the festival grounds – allows us to showcase our expertise in flowers and the innovative talent of our breeders.
The Syngenta Flowers business is a major player in breeding and producing flower seeds and cuttings for international growers. Our extensive portfolio of over 2,500 flower varieties enables us to respond to trends and customer preferences while also meeting the demands for sustainable and climate-smart flower production.
“We know that one way to help increase pollinator richness, especially in urban areas, is by planting flowers that attract these insect species in gardens and public spaces. This is why our offer includes an assortment that has been diligently tested by an independent trialing station for its attractiveness to pollinating insects.”
Kevin Menting
Marketing Communications Lead EMEA at Syngenta Flowers
Fair question – there are actually more similarities than you might think. First, there's the strong link to farming. Since farmers are our customers, it's a natural fit for us to engage in Swiss wrestling events where we can closely interact with them on many levels. We've been doing this for many years, and we're especially pleased to be the official flower partner at this year's ESAF.
Speaking of flowers: "Floral decorations are a part of all traditional events and festivals in Switzerland." Transforming Switzerland's largest cultural and sports event into a colorful experience for all the senses – with over 10,000 Syngenta plants on display across the festival grounds – allows us to showcase our expertise in flowers and the innovative talent of our breeders.
The Syngenta Flowers business is a major player in breeding and producing flower seeds and cuttings for international growers. Our extensive portfolio of over 2,500 flower varieties enables us to respond to trends and customer preferences while also meeting the demands for sustainable and climate-smart flower production.
“We know that one way to help increase pollinator richness, especially in urban areas, is by planting flowers that attract these insect species in gardens and public spaces. This is why our offer includes an assortment that has been diligently tested by an independent trialing station for its attractiveness to pollinating insects.”
Kevin Menting
Marketing Communications Lead EMEA at Syngenta Flowers
A blend of heritage and progress
Admittedly, the visual contrast between a festival where sawdust flies and a futuristic-looking laboratory could hardly be greater – yet it is just this mix of tradition and innovation that enriches Swiss culture and has consistently earned the country top positions in the rankings of the most innovative nations.
An important part of Switzerland’s pioneering life science and technology hub, Syngenta has always contributed to this momentum. Our 250 years of Swiss heritage help us to make a global impact today - not only helping farmers become more productive in the face of challenging weather conditions, growing disease and pest risks, but allowing them to be able to do it more sustainably. From our headquarters to innovation hubs and large-scale production, Switzerland continues to be at the core of our operations.
Syngenta’s six world-leading facilities in Switzerland are home to some of the biggest innovations and brightest talents in agriculture and life science. Apprentices are a vital part of that talent pool, enabled by Switzerland's dual career system, with its strong partnership between schools and businesses. This system thrives on apprenticeships, promoting continuous learning and adaptability to ensure education meets industry needs.
“At Syngenta, we have a dynamic culture that combines striving for innovation with fostering a close connection to Swiss values and traditions.” says Roman Mazzotta, Country President Syngenta Switzerland.
“It is our pleasure to once again be the official ESAF flower partner, and I am looking forward to seeing our flower portfolio adding color to this unique Swiss tradition.”
- The Swiss Wrestling and Alpine Festival (ESAF) will take place from August 29-31 in the canton of Glarus. You can find all the information here
- If you'd like a behind-the-scenes look at our research and production sites in Switzerland, join our virtual plants tour.
Ever met a Swiss king?
In Schwingen (Swiss wrestling), a point system is used where the Schwinger (wrestlers) compete against each other in multiple rounds within a sawdust ring that is 14 meters in diameter. The goal is to throw the opponent onto their back with both shoulder blades touching the ground. One unique technique they use is the Hosenlupf, which translates to "trouser lift," where they grip their opponent's shorts to execute throws and maneuvers.
Winning is prestigious, and victors are awarded a Kranz (wreath) symbolizing their achievement. The highest title one can achieve is that of the Schwingerkönig. This king is crowned at the ESAF, where the country’s best wrestlers compete. The winner also receives a Muni, a young bull, as a prize – a tradition that underscores the sport's deep roots in Swiss agricultural culture.
A Schwingerkönig who is particularly dear to us at Syngenta is our ESAF ambassador Arnold “Nöldi” Forrer. He was crowned for the first time in 2001 and won no fewer than 151 wreaths during his career. Next to being the most successful athlete in the history of the Swiss Wrestling Federation, he is also a trained master cheese maker. This year, he will once again make an appearance at the Syngenta ESAF booth – a perfect opportunity to meet a Swiss king!
Ever met a Swiss king?
In Schwingen (Swiss wrestling), a point system is used where the Schwinger (wrestlers) compete against each other in multiple rounds within a sawdust ring that is 14 meters in diameter. The goal is to throw the opponent onto their back with both shoulder blades touching the ground. One unique technique they use is the Hosenlupf, which translates to "trouser lift," where they grip their opponent's shorts to execute throws and maneuvers.
Winning is prestigious, and victors are awarded a Kranz (wreath) symbolizing their achievement. The highest title one can achieve is that of the Schwingerkönig. This king is crowned at the ESAF, where the country’s best wrestlers compete. The winner also receives a Muni, a young bull, as a prize – a tradition that underscores the sport's deep roots in Swiss agricultural culture.
A Schwingerkönig who is particularly dear to us at Syngenta is our ESAF ambassador Arnold “Nöldi” Forrer. He was crowned for the first time in 2001 and won no fewer than 151 wreaths during his career. Next to being the most successful athlete in the history of the Swiss Wrestling Federation, he is also a trained master cheese maker. This year, he will once again make an appearance at the Syngenta ESAF booth – a perfect opportunity to meet a Swiss king!
Bringing color and biodiversity to ESAF
Syngenta has consistently supported Swiss wrestling at regional and local levels, and on a larger scale as the flower partner for ESAF 2022 in Pratteln near Basel. You can check out some highlights in the video below!
In 2023, Syngenta was again present in Pratteln, when our volunteers arrived with rubber boots and spades to help the ESAF team restore the biodiversity hedge that had to be removed during the arena's construction. The replanting at the same location provided an opportunity to increase the hedge's biodiversity. Native plants were specifically introduced, and a total of 680 new shrubs of 27 different species were planted. Stone piles and deadwood islands were also integrated into the hedge to offer new shelter and food sources for wildlife.
Bringing color and biodiversity to ESAF
Syngenta has consistently supported Swiss wrestling at regional and local levels, and on a larger scale as the flower partner for ESAF 2022 in Pratteln near Basel. You can check out some highlights in the video below!
In 2023, Syngenta was again present in Pratteln, when our volunteers arrived with rubber boots and spades to help the ESAF team restore the biodiversity hedge that had to be removed during the arena's construction. The replanting at the same location provided an opportunity to increase the hedge's biodiversity. Native plants were specifically introduced, and a total of 680 new shrubs of 27 different species were planted. Stone piles and deadwood islands were also integrated into the hedge to offer new shelter and food sources for wildlife.
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