Fresh or chilled whole chickens market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for fresh or chilled whole chickens in Sweden experienced some volatility. Initial consumer demand for Swedish chicken, focused on food safety and ethical production, supported the market. However, in 2019, volume declined as cheap imported chicken intensified competition and concerns over campylobacter contamination affected consumer confidence. By 2020, market volume stabilized near 19 200 tonnes, as increased imports of low‑cost chicken from Brazil, Ukraine, and Thailand offset a slight dip in domestic production.

The market rebounded strongly in 2021, reaching 20 848 tonnes, as the industry invested in new technology and product development to meet consumer demand for sustainable and healthier options. This growth was tempered in 2022 when soaring raw material and energy prices raised production costs, leading to a reduction in domestic output and a market contraction to 20 342 tonnes despite continued growth in cheap imports.

Further pressure emerged in 2023 as retail prices for chicken rose by 10‑20% and reputational issues from audits revealing welfare problems in broiler breeding dampened demand, bringing market volume down to 19 978 tonnes. The market recovered decisively in 2024, surging to 22 210 tonnes, driven by investments in new poultry houses and expanded production capacity by Swedish players like Kronfågel, who also launched new ready‑to‑eat chicken products, all underpinned by steadfast consumer trust in the Svensk Fågel quality label.

Production fresh or chilled whole chickens in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Sweden's production of fresh or chilled whole chickens was valued at 47 645 thousand US dollars, showing no significant change from the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 12.2%, which translates to an annualized decline of 4.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 47 546 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 55 859 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 14.9%, whereas the largest increase was in 2018 at 2.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Sweden's production volume of fresh or chilled whole chickens declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 17 200 tonnes, which is 2.1% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 9.3%, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 3.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports fresh or chilled whole chickens from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 12 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 57 tonnes, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 4.7 times. In 2020, deliveries of fresh or chilled whole chickens from Sweden stood at 57 tonnes, reflecting a dramatic increase of 109.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 36.8%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 121.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Malta, and Norway were the main destinations for Sweden's exports of fresh or chilled whole chickens in kind. Germany accounted for 50.1% of exports, Malta for 21.5%, and Norway for 19.1%, together absorbing 90.7% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 3 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2020 at 62 thousand US dollars, with an 18-fold difference between these years. In 2020, foreign supplies of fresh or chilled whole chickens from Sweden totalled 62 thousand US dollars, reflecting a gain of 4.3% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 87.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 1,608.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Malta, Germany, and Norway were the principal destinations for Sweden's exports in value terms. Malta accounted for 34.9% of exports, Germany for 34.7%, and Norway for 21.6%, jointly accounting for 91.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sweden in value, 2017-2020

Imports fresh or chilled whole chickens to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Imported volumes of fresh or chilled whole chickens in Sweden increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totalled 2 034 tonnes, marking a solid increase of 18.3% over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 38%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 11.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 185 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 19.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 45.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark, Lithuania, and Latvia were the main markets for Sweden's imports of fresh or chilled whole chickens in kind. Denmark accounted for 37.8% of imports, Lithuania for 21.0%, and Latvia for 13.5%, together accounting for 72.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Fresh or chilled whole chickens shipments to Sweden from abroad increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Sweden imported a total of 4 211 thousand US dollars, marking a notable rise of 12.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 5.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 385 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 23.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Denmark, Latvia, and Lithuania formed the core of Sweden's imports in value terms. Denmark accounted for 33.7% of imports, Latvia for 17.4%, and Lithuania for 13.7%, together taking 64.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sweden in value, 2017-2020