Rendered lard and other pig fat market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

From 2020 to 2022, the market for rendered lard and pig fat in Sweden saw its value increase significantly, reaching USD 11.0 million in 2022, while volume remained relatively stable. This period was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on foodservice, countered by ongoing consumer demand for locally sourced and sustainable animal products. The acquisition of Scan Sweden by Lantmännen in 2021 consolidated the pig value chain, potentially supporting production. In 2022, a 3% decline in imports of oils and fats tightened supply, contributing to higher prices even as growing interest in plant-based alternatives began to affect demand for animal fats.

A marked contraction occurred from 2023 onward, with market volume falling to 5 172 tons and value dropping to USD 5.8 million by 2024. This downturn was driven by a pronounced shift in consumer preferences toward healthier and more sustainable diets, which reduced the appeal of animal fats. Sweden's updated action plan for food loss and waste reduction in 2024 reinforced sustainability pressures on the industry, while the country's strict national standards on food safety, hygiene, and labeling increased operational costs, further constraining market activity.

Production rendered lard and pig fat 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 rendered lard and pig fat from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Sweden's exports of rendered lard and other pig fat have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 26 786 tonnes, up 6.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 44.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Denmark, and France were the main buyers of rendered lard and other pig fat from Sweden. The Netherlands accounted for 38.7% of exports in volume, Denmark for 25.3%, and France for 18.5%. Together, these three countries made up 82.6% of Sweden's total exports in this category.

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

Sweden's exports of rendered lard and other pig fat in value terms have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 20 621 thousand US dollars, a sharp increase of 26.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 38.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 11.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the top destinations for Sweden's exports of rendered lard and other pig fat in value terms were the Netherlands, Denmark, and France. The Netherlands represented 35.8% of export value, Denmark 23.4%, and France 22.4%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 81.7% 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 rendered lard and pig fat to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 38 tonnes and peaked in 2018 at 423 tonnes, representing an 11.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Sweden imported 119 tonnes of rendered lard and other pig fat, a significant increase of 214.5% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 91.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark dominated Sweden's imports of rendered lard and other pig fat in volume terms, accounting for 84.6% of total flows. Other sources had relatively small shares during this period.

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

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Imports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 69 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2018 at 386 thousand US dollars, showing a 5.6-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Sweden imported 117 thousand US dollars of rendered lard and other pig fat, a dramatic advance of 71.2% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 82.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark was the dominant partner for Sweden's imports of rendered lard and other pig fat in value terms, holding a 76.7% share of total flows. Other markets contributed comparatively modest shares.

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

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