Five SMEs nominated for the Prix SVC Eastern Switzerland 2026
On March 5, 2026, the SME network SVC will present the Prix SVC Ostschweiz for the 12th time. Five successful companies from the region have been nominated for the final by the SVC expert jury and can continue to hope to win the prestigious award.
In nine Swiss regions, the SVC, an independent association for the promotion and support of SMEs in Switzerland, awards the Prix SVC to exemplary companies. On March 5, 2026, the Prix SVC Eastern Switzerland will be presented for the twelfth time to SMEs that impress with their innovative products and services, their corporate culture, the quality of their employees and management, and their proven track record of sustainable success. This time, the finalists are Maestrani Schweizer Schokoladen AG from Flawil SG, optrel AG from Wattwil SG, Tisca Tischhauser AG from Bühler AR, Velosolutions Schweiz GmbH from Flims GR, and zeintra AG from Wil SG.
The selection of companies and nominations for the Prix SVC are made exclusively by an independent jury of experts with strong regional ties. Andrea Fanzun, partner and chairman of the board of directors of Fanzun AG, led the nomination process as jury president and is already looking forward to the day of the decision: «It is impressive how many inspiring companies from Eastern Switzerland we have been able to get to know at this Prix SVC. All five nominated companies are deserving winners. I am very much looking forward to the grand finale and to providing these excellent SMEs from our region with a worthy showcase.»
The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Olma exhibition halls in St. Gallen. Around 1,000 guests from the worlds of business, science, politics, and culture are expected to attend.
Five compelling success stories from Eastern Switzerland
(in alphabetical order)
Maestrani Swiss Chocolate AG
Maestrani Schweizer Schokoladen AG is a traditional chocolate factory in Flawil, founded in 1852 by Aquilino Maestrani. The company employs around 250 people, 160 of whom are based in Switzerland, and combines a passion for chocolate and high-quality Swiss chocolate artistry with a strong focus on sustainability. Since 2017, Maestrani's Chocolarium has been a visitor and experience center located directly in the factory – it attracts over 230,000 people every year and offers an insight into chocolate production. With the integration of Avelines premium pralines and the acquisition of the Chocolat Ammann brand, Maestrani has expanded its range in recent years, alongside its established love brands Munz and Minor, and has been able to strengthen its position in the market. / www.maestrani.ch
optrel AG
optrel AG, based in Wattwil, was founded in 1986 and now employs over 100 people. The company has established itself as a leading global provider of innovative welding and respiratory protection solutions. What sets optrel products apart is their sophisticated technology: automatic darkening, optimal comfort, maximum safety, and customizable solutions instead of mass-produced goods. Always with an eye for aesthetic design. Production is consistently «Swiss Made» in Toggenburg. Driven by a spirit of innovation and a passion for technology, the family-run parent company entered the active sunglasses market in 2021 and founded the sports brand react in 2022, which is now distributed by optrel sports ag. / www.optrel.com
Tisca Tischhauser AG
Tisca Tischhauser AG is an independent, family-run textile company with locations in Bühler, Urnäsch, and Sennwald. Founded in 1940 by Anton Tischhauser Sr., the group currently employs around 400 people and manufactures primarily in Switzerland. Tisca's strength lies in its diversity and flexibility: as a full-range supplier, the company manufactures carpets, curtains, furniture and decorative fabrics, as well as textile coverings for sports, transport and interiors – creating textile solutions for residential, commercial, mobility and sports applications. Tisca offers a wide range of products and a high degree of individuality, including hand-woven carpets and unique pieces manufactured with great design freedom and high quality. / www.tisca.com
Velosolutions Switzerland GmbH
Velosolutions Switzerland GmbH, based in Flims, was founded in 2004 by former professional mountain biker Claudio Caluori. The company plans, builds, and implements pump tracks, bike parks, and MTB trails all over the world. The Velosolutions team consists of numerous specialists in the fields of construction, design, project management, marketing, and event management. To date, the company has built 1,000 pump tracks in more than 50 countries worldwide. However, Velosolutions is more than just a construction company: it creates spaces for sports, promotes meeting places for young and old, and supports social and community-building projects in disadvantaged regions with ’Pump for Peace.« The company also organizes the official Pump Track World Championships. / www.velosolutions.com
zeintra AG
zeintra AG specializes in the development and manufacture of technical brushes for a wide range of applications. The company was founded in 1913 when brush maker Franz Zeintl opened his workshop in Winterthur—the company later moved to Wil. Today, the family-owned company with its 40 employees develops and manufactures a wide range of products for industry, mechanical engineering, and special applications. With several hundred standard models and precisely manufactured customer-specific solutions, zeintra offers exceptional variety and a high level of technical expertise. The company has strong roots in the region and also offers sheltered and supervised workplaces. / www.zeintra.ch
Source: Swiss Venture Club
