Frozen fish fillets market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the Swedish frozen fish fillet market saw heightened retail activity driven by the entry of new players and a strong focus on convenient, healthy options from major brands like Findus, Felix, and Dafgårds. Grocery stores employed active merchandising and storytelling to boost sales, emphasizing sustainability, climate-friendly profiles, and reduced food waste.

Measured from 2020, the market volume entered a consistent decline, falling from 31 324 t in 2020 to 23 126 t in 2024. The market value also decreased from $209.6 million to $190.5 million over the same period, despite a steady rise in import values.

By 2024, household budgets were constrained by higher interest rates and elevated food prices, making price a critical factor in food purchases, including frozen fish. The market also prepared for new EU-aligned labeling regulations for fishery products, set to be enforced from December 2024.

Production frozen fish fillets in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

Exports frozen fish fillets from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Sweden's exports of foreign frozen fish fillets have increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 26 543 tons, representing an 8.9% year-over-year gain. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 28.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 8.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 18 194 tons, marking the largest decline of 11.9% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 33.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and France were the core markets for Sweden's frozen fish fillet exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 23.2% of exports, Poland for 18.5%, and France for 17.6%. Together, these three countries represented 59.3% of total 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 fish fillet exports have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 214.9 million US dollars, showing a strong advance of 18.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 40.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, France, and Spain were the main destinations for Sweden's frozen fish fillet exports in value terms. Germany held a 24.6% share, France 19.5%, and Spain 13.7%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 57.9% of total export 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 frozen fish fillets to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Sweden's import volume of frozen fish fillets stood at 54 335 tons, which was 0.8% lower than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 13.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.4%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 47 334 tons, with the largest decline of 1.0% occurring that year. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 54 783 tons, which saw the largest increase of 15.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, China, and Denmark were the principal sources for Sweden's frozen fish fillet imports in volume terms. Norway supplied 61.0% of imports, China 16.7%, and Denmark 5.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for 83.3% of total import 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, M $ US

Sweden's frozen fish fillet imports have increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, import volume reached 407.4 million US dollars, up by 3.2% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 4.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 376.6 million US dollars, marking the largest decline of 3.6% that year. In 2019, imports saw the largest increase of 4.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Norway dominated Sweden's frozen fish fillet imports in value terms, absorbing 70.3% of the total. The remaining imports were spread across a wide range of smaller destinations.

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

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