Smoked salmon market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

Sweden's smoked salmon market contracted from 2018 to 2020, with production falling from over 3 000 t to around 1 700 t. This decline was influenced by new food safety guidelines requiring fish to be frozen before smoking, which added steps to the production process. At the same time, increased consumer awareness of potential health risks associated with traditionally smoked salmon may have tempered demand.

The market rebounded sharply in 2021, with total volume reaching 3 447 t, driven by heightened consumer interest in premium and sustainably sourced products. Bergmans Fisk, repeatedly awarded as the best cold-smoked salmon, helped boost category credibility and demand. However, in 2022, a public warning from the Swedish Food Agency about Listeria bacteria in vacuum-packed smoked salmon raised safety concerns and contributed to a market dip to 3 182 t.

Trade flows adjusted in the following years. Import volumes, which had surged in 2021, trended downward from 2022 to 2024, coinciding with a period of macroeconomic uncertainty and recessionary pressures noted in 2023. The industry continued to adapt, with major brands leveraging AI and digital marketing tools to engage consumers in a changing environment.

Production smoked salmon in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Sweden's smoked salmon production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 25 174 thousand US dollars, down 26.1% from 2019. From 2018 to 2020, production fell by 44.1%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 17.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Sweden's smoked salmon production volume dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 719 tonnes, a 27.6% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, production declined by 42.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -17.0%.

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

Exports smoked salmon from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Sweden's smoked salmon export volume fell for the third year running. In 2020, exports totaled 642 tonnes, down 2.8% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 23.2%, averaging an 8.4% annual decline.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Norway, and Australia were the top destinations for Sweden's smoked salmon exports by volume. Italy accounted for 26.5% of exports, Norway for 17.5%, and Australia for 13.0%. Together, these three countries made up 57.0% 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, K $ US

After two years of decline, Sweden's smoked salmon exports in value terms showed a slight increase. In 2020, exports were valued at 12 665 thousand US dollars, with no significant change from the prior year. However, from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 23.1%, averaging an 8.4% annual drop. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12 633 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 15.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Norway, and Australia consistently led Sweden's smoked salmon exports by value. Italy held 34.1% of export value, Norway 16.4%, and Australia 13.1%. Combined, these three countries represented 63.6% 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 smoked salmon to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's smoked salmon import volume decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 1 232 tonnes, a slight drop of 0.7% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 26.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Norway, and Germany were the main sources of smoked salmon imports to Sweden by volume. Poland contributed 43.3% of imports, Norway 25.6%, and Germany 23.0%. Together, these three countries accounted for 91.8% 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, K $ US

Sweden's smoked salmon imports in value terms declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 20 422 thousand US dollars, down 8.4% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 32.3%, averaging a 12.2% annual reduction.

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

Over the period 2017 to 2020, Poland, Norway, and Germany dominated Sweden's smoked salmon imports by value. Poland accounted for 43.3% of import value, Norway for 27.4%, and Germany for 21.4%. Collectively, these three countries made up 92.1% of total import flows.

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

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