For most Swiss citizens, thinking back on their national service usually conjures images of long hikes, training exercises and cold evenings in the sticks - not the type of food on offer. Despite this, the government has confirmed that the buttery biscuits issued to soldiers as rations will now be sold to the general public.
In a statement, the Federal Office for Defence announced that it has given Kambly SA, producer of the biscuit, a licence to use the Swiss Military brand - traditionally reserved for things like Swiss army knives and watches. This licence will allow the international company to sell the biscuit in Swiss supermarkets and abroad as a Swiss Army product, instead of the nondescript packaging the firm uses today.
Kambly was first commissioned to create a “military biscuit” in 1959, with the government hoping for a "tasty treat with a long shelf-life". Affectionately known as the “federal brick”, the result of Kambly's efforts was a biscuit designed to go just as well with chocolate as it does with cheese and sausage - the recipe remains a military secret.
The so-called “Military Biscuit” is a cult favourite among soldiers who serve the Swiss Army, with one recent conscript telling IamExpat that they are “among the more popular snacks you get to enjoy.” “Which doesn't mean that they're fantastic but very much bearable, not as popular as the chocolate but certainly more popular than the Farmer-esque fruit and oat bars,” he continued.
The biscuits themselves are butter-based, but not as sugary as the more traditional fayre. One downside to the treat is that they are very dry, with soldiers reportedly often competing over how many they can eat before having to take a sip of water.
The company is expected to roll out the newly-branded biscuit in the coming months. Like all other products with Swiss Army branding, income from the licence fee - which is likely dependent on sales figures - will go back into federal coffers.
For more information, check out the official press release (in German).