Vietnam eyes Swedish market for fresh produce exports

The article highlights the significant opportunity for Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports to the Swedish market, which has seen a increase in import share from developing countries, reaching 24% or 215,000 tons despite a decrease in overall import volumes due to inflation and reduced consumer demand. These developments present a potential for countries like Vietnam to increase their presence in the Swedish market, particularly in meeting the demand during the off-season from October to May. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of sustainability in the Swedish market, positioning Vietnam to benefit from its capability to offer fresh produce from temperate and tropical climates, and its potential to meet the growing demand for organic products in Europe.

The import market share from developing countries has increased to 24%, equivalent to 215,000 tons, creating opportunities for countries like Vietnam. Sweden presents a significant market opportunity for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables due to its reliance on imports, noted a representative from Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden. Prior to 2021, Sweden's fruit and vegetable imports reached approximately one million tons per year. However, in 2023, import volumes decreased to 887,000 tons due to the impact of inflation and reduced consumer demand. Despite this, the import market share from developing countries has increased to 24%, equivalent to 215,000 tons, creating opportunities for countries like Vietnam. According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Thuy, Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, concurrently responsible for the Nordic region, the Swedish market is currently dominated by major supermarket chains such as ICA, Coop, and Axfood. These chains account for nearly 20% of total ...