Sweden - AgricultureSweden - Agriculture
Sweden is a sophisticated market featuring affluent, well-educated, and open-minded consumers who speak very good English and spend 12 percent of their disposable income on food. Sweden’s location as one of the world’s most northern countries means that the growing season in Sweden is comparatively short. Sweden therefore relies on imports.
In 2018, Sweden imported an estimated $236 million of agricultural, fish, and forestry products from the United States. U.S. products have a good quality image; however, after shipping costs, import duties, and taxes the products may not be price competitive compared to other suppliers. It is highly recommended that exporters study the Swedish import requirements carefully. Competition is fierce on price, quality, uniqueness, and innovation, and there is competition from EU Member States (MS) who benefit from the protection afforded by EU tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers.
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 | |
Total Local Production |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
Total Exports |
12,735 |
13,332 |
10,614 |
11,250 |
Total Imports |
17,561 |
18,427 |
18,470 |
19,932 |
Imports from the US |
278 |
255 |
225 |
236 |
Total Market Size |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
Exchange Rates |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
Source: World Trade Atlas
Although a small market, Sweden offers export opportunities for U.S. exporters of specialty foods, alcoholic beverages, tree nuts and products with a special certification, like organics.
Sweden, Best High-Value Products Prospects, $1,000
Product |
Total Imports, 2018 |
Imports from U.S., 2018 (U.S. market share) |
Key Constraints Over Market Development |
Market Attractiveness for USA |
Wine |
781,625 |
36,456 |
Wines from France, Italy and Spain are very popular. South African, Chilean and Argentine wines are popular New World wines. |
Sweden does not produce wines and therefore depends on imports. The Swedes are among the most affluent consumers in the world. |
Almonds |
39,653 |
21,696 |
Competition from Spanish organic almonds. |
Strong demand from bakeries and snack companies. |
Beer |
139,201 |
27,590 |
Competition from Germany and the United Kingdom. |
The swedes love specialty craft beers from microbreweries. |
Sauces and Condiments |
151,211 |
21,625 |
Competition from other EU MS and also Thailand. |
Growing demand for sauces, preparations, condiments and seasoning due to Swedish strong grilling tradition, especially during the summer. |
Walnuts |
23,478 |
4,898 |
Some competition from France and Moldova. |
Growing demand from the snack industry and bakeries. |
Snack Food (including Confectionary) |
355,906 |
818 |
Competition from other EU MS |
The Swedes like well-known branded snack food. |
Non-alcoholic Beverages |
130,510 |
976 |
Competition from other EU MS |
The Swedes like well-known branded and innovative beverages. |
Source: World Trade Atlas
Swedes have an interest in experimenting with new and innovative products and cuisines. There is a growing demand for fresh, organic, and free-from food products due to a greater awareness regarding health. Swedish buyers regularly travel the world to see/buy new product and make new contacts, so exporters should consider exhibiting at one of Europe’s trade shows (see partial list below).
The Agricultural Service at the American Embassy in The Hague represents the interest of the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in the Netherlands and Nordic countries.
FAS Data & Analysis Sweden:
https://www.fas.usda.gov/regions/europe-and-eurasia/sweden
Global Agricultural Trade System Online:
https://apps.fas.usda.gov/gats/default.aspx
Swedish Board of Agriculture: http://www.jordbruksverket.se/swedishboardofagriculture.4.6621c2fb1231eb917e680002462.html
Trade shows
International confectionary Fair (ISM)
Cologne, Germany Contact hanna.khan@fas.usda.gov
February 2-5, 2020 Tel: +49-3083-05-1152
Fruit Logistica*
Berlin, Germany Contact hanna.khan@fas.usda.gov
Feb 5-7, 2020 Tel: +49-3083-05-1152
BioFach*
Nüremberg, Germany Contact hanna.khan@fas.usda.gov
Feb 12-15, 2020 Tel: +49-3083-05-1152
ProWein
Düsseldorf, Germany Contact hanna.khan@fas.usda.gov
March 15-17, 2020 Tel: +49-3083-05-1152
PLMA World of Private Label
Amsterdam, The Netherlands Contact marcel.pinckaers@fas.usda.gov
May 26-27, 2020 Tel: +31-70-3102-305
SIAL*
Paris, France Contact laurent.journo@fas.usda.gov
Oct 18-22, 2020 Tel: +33-14312-2245
*Bi-annual