The Swedish Food Federation: High quality at affordable prices: an impossible equation?

Björn Hellman, CEO of the Swedish Food Federation, on how Swedish food producers have persevered through the challenges of the last years.

The last couple of years have been tough for food producers. Not just in Sweden but around the world. Almost everything that’s required to produce food and drink, including raw materials, energy, transportation, packaging, and fuel, has increased dramatically in price. In Sweden, producers have also had to cope with a weak Swedish krona and rising interest rates.

Björn Hellman, CEO, Swedish Food Federation. Photo: Cecilia Magnusson

This has inevitably led to increased prices for consumers as well. The consumers have also suffered the effects of the rising costs of living, and many have had to adjust their spending accordingly. Price, which for many years wasn’t a large factor for Swedish consumers, became the most important factor in 2022 and 2023.

Photo: Odd Island

Swedish food and drink are distinguished by their high quality. In everything. From the locally sourced raw materials, animal welfare, and safety standards, to worker conditions and sustainability practices. But quality costs, and that’s why these last few years have been especially trying for the producers.

Photo: High Coast Whisky.

Is it possible to produce high-quality food and drink at a time when the consumers want the lowest possible prices? If I look at the 800 member companies of the Swedish Food Federation, the answer is yes. Through hard work, out-of-the-box thinking, personal sacrifice, and sheer perseverance, they have been able to keep on producing food and drink of the highest standard at affordable prices. And they are all standing by, ready to welcome you to Sweden and a veritable smorgasbord of amazing and unique food experiences.

Tony Gerasovski. Photo: Tony’s Pizza