Pest Control as a Strategic Service

Rentokil Schweiz AG is part of an internationally active group headquartered in the UK and operates exclusively within the Swiss market. The company covers two closely connected business areas: pest control as the core business and hygiene and wellbeing services as a growing second pillar. Around 80% of the business is generated through pest control, while hygiene-related services continue to expand in importance. Since Marco Zappulli took over responsibility for Switzerland in 2022, the focus has been on strengthening the local organisation in a market that has remained comparatively stable in recent years and allows for long-term planning rather than short-term crisis management. 

The Swiss market as a stable growth platform

Within Switzerland, Rentokil operates in a fragmented market with around 50 providers, many of them very small, technician-led businesses. The Swiss pest control market grows by around 4-5% per year and is estimated at roughly CHF 70 million. Rentokil has been growing faster than the market average, gradually gaining share through a broad customer mix. Its clients range from highly regulated food and pharmaceutical companies to property management firms and private households, allowing the business to balance industrial requirements with fast, solution-oriented service for consumers. “Switzerland is not immune to global developments, but it is far more stable than many other European markets,” explains Marco Zappulli. External influences are felt primarily indirectly, for example through export-dependent industries, while domestic demand for preventive pest control and hygiene services remains robust.

Strategic Role and Outlook

Within the Rentokil Initial group, Switzerland is regarded as an important and reliable market, though not a core volume market like Germany, France or Italy. Its role lies in consistent performance, high service quality and the ability to implement international best practices locally. This includes investments in IoT-based pest control solutions, chemical reduction and preventive approaches, as well as the gradual expansion of the hygiene and wellbeing portfolio. Looking ahead, Rentokil aims to broaden its service competencies by introducing additional services already established in other countries, such as indoor plant solutions under the Ambius brand and further hygiene-related offerings. Growth will continue to be driven by a combination of organic development and selective acquisitions. “Our long-term vision is not rapid expansion, but building depth – in services, expertise and customer relationships,” says Marco Zappulli. “That is how Switzerland contributes sustainably to the group’s overall strength.”