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In this era of digitization, business e-commerce has made it easy to approach food importers in Sweden. The country has its own import regulations and requirements when it comes to importing food from all over the world. To know more about these regulations regarding importing food into Sweden, along with some B2B websites and a guide to begin top Sweden food imports, continue reading this article.
If we look closely at Sweden's food imports, we can see that Sweden imports most of its food from India, the USA, and Malaysia. Sweden imports food from over 193 countries globally. Accounting for 75% of Sweden's total food imports, India tops the list with 290,788 shipments, which equate to a 32% market share. It's closely followed by the United States with 250,531 shipments, representing a 27% market share, and China with 146,311 shipments, holding a 16% market share.
The annual summary of Sweden’s trade in agricultural products and food shows that exports reached SEK 83 billion in 2024. The following are the top Swedish food imports.
Sweden imports fruits and vegetables, including bananas, tomatoes, citrus fruits, kiwi, and apples in the region. These imports hold 20-25% of total food imports in the country. Sweden requires these fruits and vegetables to cover up for the unpleasant, cold weather and off-season needs, and to avoid shortages. While developing countries are significant, major import partners also include countries like the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany.
Next are the dairy and meat products imports that include butter, milk, eggs, and animal products such as feed. Like every other country in Europe, Swedish people also prefer vegan alternatives to consume in their daily diets. It results in a rise in imports, with 40% of soy-based products in the country.
One of the most dominant foods that Sweden imports is seafood. The country imports salmon, preserved and frozen seafood like molluscs, crustaceans, and other kinds in bulk quantities. The major trading partners are Norway, Denmark, and China. Even though Sweden is self-sufficient in fish farming, the local seafood is used as animal feed, and imported seafood is used to fulfil the human consumption demands. A large proportion of salmon, cod, and other types of fish is imported in large quantities.
Sweden is a significant coffee-importing country. The major imports are green and raw coffee, roasted coffee beans from Brazil, as the biggest importer. Sweden also comes under the highest coffee consumption regions per capita. Sweden also imports coffee from Peru and Germany. Coffee is ingrained in Swedish culture and traditions, which is a reason behind huge imports.
In 2024, the total Swedish imports of beverages totaled 2 billion US dollars. This includes imports of non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and vinegar. The Netherlands, the UK, and Norway are among the biggest exporters of beverages to Sweden.
Sweden is a cold country situated in the North and has to face harsh climate conditions. The climate conditions become a hindrance in the production of locally grown crops and food, making it challenging for the government to fulfill the consumption goal.
Harsh climate conditions could be the reasons for limited growth for some food products, and importing food from other countries.
The growing globalization has increased the demand for food and food products that are consumed worldwide. People want to try trending foods. Also, the increased awareness about organic food consumption and its benefits has been the top reason behind the food imports in Sweden.
The Swedish government also facilitates global trade with different countries in Europe, such as Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and outside, such as India, the USA, China, and Brazil, promoting trade relations.
To start exporting food in Sweden, the following are some important considerations that need to be fulfilled beforehand. All of these requirements are general and could be altered, depending on the nature of the food:
Analyzing market opportunities will increase the chances of becoming more successful in the region. European markets are highly inclined towards using organic and vegan food. There is a rise in all-natural food in the daily diets in the European market, which has created many opportunities. As a new exporter, it is one of the most crucial steps to understand the market norms and read consumer behavior in order to connect with the local market. You need to conduct a full competitor analysis, which provides ideas for marketing and selling your food product.
The Swedish market has some legal requirements regarding shipments from international businesses.
Labelling and Packaging
The Swedish food packaging and labelling requirements are based on the EU regulations. These regulations are mandatory to follow, especially if you are exporting food products. There should be names of the products mentioned, with the list of ingredients that go into them accordingly. The shipment weight and volume must be written with expiry and best-before dates. Exporting food in Sweden also requires you to mention the country of origin and allergy precautions mentioned on the package in the local language.
Pricing, Taxes, and Import Tariffs
Tariff duty rates for foodstuffs can be higher in Sweden than for industrial products. It is because they are based on the weight of the commodity. The value for customs purposes depends on the product price, transportation, and insurance. Importers can apply for reduced customs duty or exemption if the goods originate from a country with which the EU has a free trade agreement. Most goods imported to Sweden are also subject to VAT. The general VAT rate is 12 percent for food.
Choosing the buyers for your business through the following platform will not only help you in getting the leads quickly but also allow you to learn about their business ways. Technology has made it possible to reach out to Swedish importers for food easily without the need to travel physically.
Tradewheel.com is a global B2B marketplace that helps exporters connect with verified food importers in Sweden. The platform offers dedicated categories for food products like wholesale grains, seafood, canned items, and fresh produce, and its importers in Sweden. You can search buyers by region and communicate directly with importers who are actively sourcing new products. The platform has an easy-to-use interface, and real-time buyer inquiries make it perfect for suppliers who want to expand into Sweden. It also supports trade shows and product promotion that help your business gain visibility in European markets. This platform is ideal for small to medium exporters looking for new B2B connections in the food trade.
Alibaba.com is one of the largest online trade platforms globally, and many Swedish food importers use it to source products. Sell dried fruits, spices, or any packaged snacks that you can list and target buyers from Sweden using filters. Its buyer request system lets you respond to food import inquiries directly. Alibaba.com also supports multi-language listings, which helps in reaching Swedish buyers efficiently. For exporters aiming to scale fast, it offers high visibility and excellent tools to manage international trade.
Volza.com is a trade intelligence platform that provides real-time import-export data. This site helps identify actual food importers in Sweden by showing their transaction history, product types, and volume details. You can track shipments and understand Swedish market demand. Volza’s detailed analytics also show which companies are repeatedly importing specific foods, making it easier to find reliable buyers. The platform is highly suitable for exporters looking to base their outreach on verified data instead of just listings. It supports data-driven strategies and helps build targeted contact lists with confidence.
Try Swedish is a government-backed export program developed by Business Sweden. It promotes Swedish food globally but also helps international exporters understand the Swedish food market. The platform connects you with regional trade representatives, food distributors, and Swedish food companies open to partnerships. For foreign food brands interested in importing into Sweden or collaborating with local businesses, Try Swedish offers market insights and contact opportunities. It’s especially useful if you are exporting sustainable or innovative food products. The site is ideal for companies that want to navigate regulations and gain local market intelligence before entering.
Tridge is a smart sourcing and market intelligence platform for food and agriculture products. Exporters can use Tridge to connect with verified Swedish importers who are actively looking for food products such as nuts, oils, vegetables, and seafood in bulk. The platform uses data and AI to match buyers with the most suitable suppliers. You also get detailed market insights, including price trends and demand reports for Sweden. The platform makes it easier to tailor your offerings. Tridge simplifies international trade by combining digital sourcing tools with on-ground experts, helping exporters expand confidently into Sweden's food import sector.
Europages is a trusted European B2B directory with a large database of food importers, wholesalers, and distributors in Sweden. You can filter businesses by sector, region, and import activity, making it ideal for exporters seeking niche buyers. The platform includes contact details, company backgrounds, and industry keywords. Helping you identify the right prospects for selling frozen food, beverages, dairy, or pantry staples, Europages offers access to serious buyers. It also supports multilingual listings to connect with Swedish companies. Europages is well-suited for exporters who want strong visibility across Europe.
Kompass Sweden is part of a global business directory offering verified contacts and company data. It helps exporters discover food importers based in Sweden by product type and company size. The database includes importers of meat, vegetables, oils, and processed foods. Kompass offers advanced search tools to filter results and connect with decision-makers directly. This platform is ideal for building long-term trade relationships in Sweden. It’s especially useful for B2B outreach campaigns, as it gives insight into company operations and contact emails. Kompass is great for food exporters targeting wholesale and retail supply chains.
Eniro is a Swedish business directory that helps you find local food importers, wholesalers, and distributors. Although the website is in Swedish, it offers a simple interface to locate businesses by name, product, or region. Exporters can use this platform to identify niche food companies and reach out through their listed contact information. Eniro provides addresses, phone numbers, and sometimes even email and website links. This platform is best used for targeted prospecting and building regional partnerships.
Import Genius gives exporters access to real-time shipping data and historical trade records. It reveals which Swedish companies are importing, how often they import, and from where. This helps you identify serious buyers and plan your outreach more effectively. By analyzing actual customs records, you can focus only on verified importers. Import Genius is a powerful tool for exporters who want to make informed decisions and build data-backed prospect lists. It’s especially useful for competitive research and breaking into the Swedish food market with precision and confidence.
Choosing the right logistics will positively affect your business. For example, if you are a seafood exporter, you need to connect with the right importer who offers a proper facility to store the seafood at the right temperature with working refrigeration and is willing to take the product at the right time, which is very important. Logistics for exporting food products to Sweden must be quick and reliable.
The following are the business challenges that you may face while starting your own food exporting business in Sweden. We have also mentioned the remedies to overcome these challenges and excel in the business without any hindrance.
There are laws that require product labels to be in the Swedish language. If there is any mislabeling or missing translations, it can result in rejected shipments or delays. As an exporter, you must make sure that all ingredients are mentioned with allergens and nutritional information that also comply with Swedish standards. Correct labeling builds trust and prevents legal issues at customs.
Incomplete documents and improper HS codes or loose packaging can lead to delays at Swedish ports. Food products are subject to inspection with quality standards, and any mismatch can stall clearance. Understanding customs procedures and maintaining proper documentation helps in creating clear logistics schedules.
One of the biggest mistakes is choosing the wrong importer or distributor, which can ruin your business. Dealing with the wrong business partners may result in mishandling products or failing to market them effectively. Meet Swedish partners and thoroughly check their reputation, including trade history and operational capabilities, before entering long-term agreements to avoid costly problems later.
All the European consumers, including those in Sweden, prefer sustainable, organic, and healthy food choices. These consumer preferences must not be ignored. The exported products that don’t align with local dietary habits or taste preferences are less likely to succeed. Market research and adapting product offerings to Swedish demand are essential.
Sweden can become a profitable long-term export destination in terms of starting a food business. Exporting food to Sweden offers great potential, especially as the country increasingly depends on high-quality imports to meet demand. However, success in this market requires more than just a good product. Choosing the right platform to find importers, building strong partnerships, and staying informed about market dynamics can make all the difference. Platforms mentioned in the blog can simplify access to reliable buyers, and some of them ensure data-driven outreach.
