Frozen beef market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

The Swedish frozen beef market began the period with a contraction in 2019, largely due to the severe drought of 2018 which negatively impacted domestic cattle production. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 then caused rapid shifts in consumption and supply chain disruptions, yet domestic output surged as the industry adapted, stabilizing the overall market volume.

Market growth resumed from 2021 to 2022. This expansion was supported by previously lower beef prices and increased import volumes, even as the market share for Swedish beef declined. However, by 2023, growing consumer interest in sustainable packaging and plant-based frozen food alternatives reduced demand for frozen beef, leading to a sharp decline in market size.

In 2024, favorable grazing conditions and a significant drop in input costs for feed and electricity supported a recovery in domestic production and market volume, despite Swedish beef prices remaining among the highest in the European Union.

Production frozen beef in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Sweden's frozen beef production rebounded after two years of decline. In 2020, output reached 84 542 thousand US dollars, representing a significant 56.8% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 26.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 53 919 thousand US dollars, while the most substantial drop occurred in 2018 with an 11.9% decrease.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Sweden's frozen beef production recovered following a two-year downturn. In 2020, the country produced 13 804 metric tons, showing a sharp 44.2% year-over-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, production expanded by 37.6%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 11.2%. The lowest output was in 2019 at 9 574 metric tons, with the largest decline recorded in 2018 at 2.3%.

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

Exports frozen beef from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Sweden's frozen beef exports grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 434 metric tons, marking a solid 10.2% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 13.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.2%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 350 metric tons, which also saw the largest decline of 8.6%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019 with a 12.4% jump.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Finland, Denmark, and Norway were the primary destinations for Sweden's frozen beef exports by volume. Finland accounted for 39.1% of exports, Denmark for 21.8%, and Norway for 10.4%. Together, these three countries represented 71.3% of Sweden's total frozen beef export flows.

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, M $ US

Sweden's frozen beef export value increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 2.8 million US dollars, up 41.8% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 39.7%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 11.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2.0 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 1.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland, Norway, and Germany were the leading buyers of Swedish frozen beef by value. Finland accounted for 55.7% of export value, Norway for 10.4%, and Germany for 9.1%. Collectively, these three markets made up 75.1% of Sweden's total frozen beef export value.

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

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

Imports frozen beef to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's frozen beef imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 25 602 metric tons, down 13.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 24.6%, corresponding to an average annual decrease of 9.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland, Ireland, and Germany were the main sources of Sweden's frozen beef imports by volume. Poland accounted for 26.5% of imports, Ireland for 22.3%, and Germany for 16.4%. Together, these three countries supplied 65.2% of Sweden's total frozen beef imports.

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, M $ US

Sweden's frozen beef import value dropped for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 1.2 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp 12.2% year-over-year decline. From 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 27.1%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 10.0%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Poland, Ireland, and Germany were the key markets for Sweden's frozen beef imports by value. Poland accounted for 26.1% of import value, Ireland for 17.8%, and Germany for 15.5%. Combined, these three countries represented 59.4% of Sweden's total frozen beef import value.

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

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