Zurich Airport’s long-running Charity Water initiative has raised CHF 164,024 for the Schweizer Tafel Foundation, with funds generated through mineral water sales at duty-free shops between January and May 2026.
The project, operated jointly by Zurich Airport Ltd. and travel retailer Avolta, supports a rotating selection of Swiss charitable organisations. Since June, proceeds have been directed to the Zurich-based Werkstätte Drahtzug Association.
CHF 0.50 Donated From Every Bottle Sold
The Charity Water programme has been running at Zurich Airport since 2014. Swiss mineral water is sold at Avolta-operated duty-free locations for CHF 2.50 per bottle, with CHF 0.50 from each sale donated to the selected charity.
Schweizer Tafel was the beneficiary for the first five months of 2026. The foundation collects surplus food that remains suitable for consumption from producers, wholesalers and retailers before distributing it free of charge to social organisations.
Recipients include soup kitchens, homeless and women’s shelters, as well as food distribution centres serving people experiencing financial hardship.
In 2025 alone, Schweizer Tafel rescued more than 8,500 tonnes of food, combining food waste reduction with support for people affected by poverty.
“This commitment demonstrates the importance of solidarity in our society. By purchasing a bottle of Charity Water, passengers at Zurich Airport are showing their support in a way that is immensely valuable to our daily work. We would like to sincerely thank Zurich Airport Ltd., Avolta and all passengers for their support,” said Marc Ingold, Managing Director of the Schweizer Tafel Foundation.
Charity Water Now Supports Werkstätte Drahtzug
Since June 2026, donations generated by Charity Water sales have been allocated to the Werkstätte Drahtzug Association.
Based in Zurich, the organisation works with people experiencing mental health conditions, helping them return to employment and move towards more independent living.
Its programmes include supported employment, vocational training and integration initiatives designed to improve both professional opportunities and social participation.
More Than a Decade of Charitable Support at Zurich Airport
Schweizer Tafel became the twelfth organisation to benefit from the Charity Water initiative since its launch in 2014.
Over the years, Zurich Airport Ltd. and Avolta have used the programme to support a range of social and charitable organisations in Switzerland. Previous beneficiaries have included the Wisli Foundation, Kinderhilfe Sternschnuppe Foundation and University Children’s Hospital Zurich.
