Prepared pasta and couscous market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

The market for prepared pasta and couscous in Sweden stood at 33 119 t in 2018, supported by growing consumer demand for versatile and quick food products, where couscous emerged as a popular alternative to rice and pasta. Market volume then declined to 29 205 t in 2020, a period when the COVID-19 pandemic altered consumption patterns toward home cooking and simple staples. A modest recovery followed in 2021, with volume reaching 29 371 t, aided by the sustained trend toward healthy and sustainable foods.

Market volume jumped sharply to 37 604 t in 2022, driven by heightened demand for vegetarian and quick meal alternatives. Growth continued in 2023, reaching 39 445 t, amid increased competition and consolidation among major retail chains that coordinated new product launch timings, affecting the couscous segment.

In 2024, new legislation on packaging waste and sustainability reporting came into force, impacting food packaging and labeling. Consumer trends continued to favor sustainable and healthy options, while retailers expanded their private-label offerings, shaping the market landscape.

Production prepared pasta and couscous in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Production peaked in 2018 and reached its lowest point in 2020, with a 1.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the output of prepared pasta and couscous in Sweden was valued at 24 213 thousand US dollars, which is 37.8% higher than in 2019.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Production peaked in 2018 and hit its lowest point in 2020, with a two-fold amplitude between these years. In 2020, Sweden produced 5 879 tonnes of prepared pasta and couscous, representing an 88.4% increase from the previous year.

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

Exports prepared pasta and couscous from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Sweden exported 4 180 tonnes of prepared pasta and couscous in 2020, down by 19.5% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 967 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2019 at 5 193 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 30.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, Denmark, and Finland were the main destinations for Sweden's exports of prepared pasta and couscous in kind. Norway accounted for 40.1% of exports, Denmark for 27.8%, and Finland for 17.4%, together making up 85.2% of total 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, K $ US

After a two-year advance, Sweden's prepared pasta and couscous export volume declined. In 2020, exports reached 16 786 thousand US dollars, which is 7.9% less than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 23.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 18 235 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 21.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland, Denmark, and Norway remained the leading destinations for Sweden's exports of prepared pasta and couscous in value terms. Finland and Denmark each accounted for 31.6% of exports, while Norway made up 24.5%, together representing 87.8% 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 prepared pasta and couscous to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's imports of prepared pasta and couscous in kind increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Sweden imported 27 506 tonnes, which is 1.9% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 18.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and South Korea were the largest suppliers of prepared pasta and couscous to Sweden in kind. Italy accounted for 30.6% of imports, Germany for 16.7%, and South Korea for 9.3%, together forming 56.6% of total 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, K $ US

Sweden's imports of prepared pasta and couscous in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 74 711 thousand US dollars, indicating a 3.4% gain from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 18.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and South Korea were the main markets for Sweden's imports of prepared pasta and couscous in value terms. Italy accounted for 33.2% of imports, Germany for 19.8%, and South Korea for 7.5%, together accounting for 60.5% 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