FAS STOCKHOLM MARKET
The reports listed below are market reports produced by the FAS office in Stockholm covering the countries of Sweden, Finland, Norway, If you wish to read the full report, please note the report number before downloading the report. The report number should then be entered at "Option 3 - Search by AGR number".
Please note: Some of the reports are in Adobe Acrobat format and require Acrobat Reader 5x or better to read.
SW6016 Solid Wood Products Report
Report Date 9/13/06
Highlight: The situation for Swedish sawmills is very favorable. In 2005, Swedish production of sawn softwood reached its highest level ever at 17.8 million cum, 1 percent more than in 2004. Total exports increased by 7 percent to 12 million cum. U.S. exports of hardwood lumber to Sweden rose by 9 percent in 2005 valued at USD 2.9 billion. U.S. exports of hardwood lumber in 2005 increased by 9%, valued at USD 19.2 million
SW6012 Oilseeds and Products - Nordic /Baltic Biofuels Report (PDF Format)
Report Date 5/7/06
Highlight: Finland and Sweden are both among the leading countries in the world in utilization of renewable resources for energy production. In September 2005, Sweden's Prime Minister Goran Persson announced a new policy target to create the conditions necessary to break Sweden's dependence on fossel fuels by 2020. Thanks to abundant forest resources, Sweden and Finland have well-developed energy systems for wood. In 2004, biofuel's share of total energy consumption was 20% in Finland and 17% in Sweden.
SW6011 Organic Products Report - Ambitious Goal for Organic Farming in Sweden
Report Date 5/7/06
Highlight: The Swedish government has set an ambitious goal of having 20% of agricultural land under certified organic production by 2010. In order to reach that goal, the government plans to increase public sector consumption of organic food.
SW6009 Livestock and Products Report - Avian Influenza Update
Report Date 5/4/06
Highlight: As of March 30, 2006, a total of 29 cases of the highly aggressive H5 virus have been confirmed in wild birds, including two birds of prey. In addition, the aggressive form of AI has been found in one mallard duck at a game farm and one mink.
SW5019 Livestock and Products Report -PMWS Increasing in Sweden
Report Date 3/24/06
Highlight: Outbreaks of PWMS (Postweaning Multisystematic Wasting Syndrome) in Sweden are on the rise. Swedish farmers fear that the spread of PWMS will lead to the introduction of a parallel virius, PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome), in Sweden
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SW6008 Livestock and Products Report - First BSE Case Confirmed
Report Date 3/6/06
Highlight: On March 3, 2006, the EU Reference Laboratory in Weybridge, England confirmed the first case of BSE in Sweden.
SW6007 Livestock and Products Report - Strong Suspicions of BSE in Sweden
Report Date 3/3/06
Highlight: On February 28, the Swedish Board of Agriculture and the National Veterinary Institute announced that a 12-year-old Swedish cow has tested positive in an initial test for BSE. While the finding is preliminary, suspicions have never before been so strong. Definitive results from the EU reference laboratory in England are expected in two weeks.
SW6006 Livestock and Products Report - First Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Sweden
Report Date 3/1/06
Highlight: The aggressive form of the avian influenza virus has now reached Sweden. On February 28, 2006, the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) confirmed the highly pathogenic H5 virus in two wild mallard ducks
SW6003 Grain and Feed Report - Salmonella Detected in Hog Feed
Report Date 2/3/06
Highlight: Sweden's largest feed company, Lantmannen, has discovered salmonella in hog feed. The contamination most likely originated in rapeseed raw material from a Polish feed plant.
SW6001 Wine Report
Report Date 1/24/06
Highlight: Table wine consumption continued to increase in Sweden in 2004, although Systembolaget's monopoly wine retail sales dropped for the first time in many years. New World wines are gaining market share at the expense of wines from traditional European wine countries. Good market opportunities exist for U.S. quality wines, as the lower dollar exchange rate now makes it possible to compete with other New World wines.
SW5018 Wine Report - Swedish Alcohol Monopoly's EU Campaign
Report Date 12/27/05
Highlight: The Swedish alcohol monopoly, Systembolaget, recently spent SEK 8 million (US$ 960,000) on a campaign promoting the benefits of the monopoly. The "Dear Mr. Barroso" campaign reportedly marked the 50th Anniversary of the Swedish monopoly. However, critics point out that it was launched in the midst of court battles involving the monopoly both in Sweden and at the EU Court of Justice.
SW5016 Biotechnology Report - Swedish Farmers Lift GM Feed Ban
Report Date 12/15/05
Highlight: Swedish Meats, a farmer-owned cooperative and leading meat processor, has lifted its 10-year ban on GM feed. As of January 1, 2006, Swedish livestock farmers and ranchers may include genetically modified feed in their rations. This policy shift was attributed to the increasing cost of sourcing GM-free Brazilian soybean meal.
SW5015 FAIRS Report - Export Certificate Report
Report Date 12/15/05
Highlight: As a member of the European Union (EU), Sweden fully applies EU regulations on export certificates. In addition to certificates required by the EU, there are specific sanitary certificate requirements with regard to salmonella for imports of fresh meat, meat preparations and eggs into Sweden.
SW5014 Livestock and Products Report - Animal Welfare Legislation in Sweden
Report Date 10/25/05
Highlight: Animal welfare is a priority issue for the Swedish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Affairs. Within the EU, Sweden considers itself to be at the forefront on animal welfare with stricter regulations than EU standards in several respects. This report provides an overview of Sweden's animal welfare legislation where it differs from that of the EU.
SW5012 Solid Wood Products Report
Report Date 9/1/05
Highlight: In January 2005, a severe storm, "Hurricane Gudrun," raged across southern Sweden causing major damage to forests. About 75 million cum of standing timber, nearly the total annual fellings for all of Sweden, was felled in the storm. In 2004, Swedish production of sawn timber reached its highest level ever at 16.9 million cum. Exports of Swedish sawn softwood increased by 2 percent to 11.2 million cum.
SW5011 FAIRS Report - Country Report
Report Date 8/23/05
Highlight: Updated on 08/16/05
SW5010 Agricultural Biotechnology Report
Report Date 7/13/05
Highlight: This report gives an overview of the situation for genetically engineered products with regard to regulation, policy, and the marketing environment in Sweden. For information on the EU level, please be referred to the USEU Agricultural Biotechnology Report, E35091.
SW5009 Retail Food Sector Report
Report Date 07/12/05
Highlight: The recent consolidation and restructuring of the Nordic retail food sector offers interesting opportunities for U.S. suppliers in terms of volume and variety of products in demand. Best prospects include seafood, convenience food, and products appealing to the health conscious. Additionally, the market is expanding for international and ethnic cuisines. A major impediment to increased U.S. sales is consumer resistance to products containing genetically modified (GMO) ingredients. Nevertheless, a weak dollar in 2003 and 2004 has fueled new interest in U.S. food products.
SW5002 Exporter Guide
Report Date 07/12/05
Highlight: Consolidation and restructuring of the Nordic food retail sector offers new and interesting opportunities in terms of volume and diversity of product demanded. Best prospects include seafood, convenience foods and beverages. Products that appeal to the health conscious have particularly good potential. The Swedish market is also expanding for ethnic cuisines, including American regional cuisines. A major impediment to expanded U.S. sales is consumer resistance to products of biotechnology. At present, the weak dollar has increased the attractiveness of U.S. products to Swedish importers
SW5001 Solid Wood Products Report - Swedish Forest Owners Severely Affected by Largest Storm Damage in 100 years
Report Date 01/21/05
Highlight: During the weekend of January 8-9, 2005, a severe storm raged throughout southern Sweden causing major damage to forests. About 75 million cubic meters of standing timber, valued at SEK 20-30 million (US$ 3-4 million), was felled in the storm. This is nearly the total annual fellings (averaging 83 million cubic meters) for all of Sweden. The huge timber loss has resulted in severe price declines and financial distress for forest owners throughout Sweden. Over 50 percent of Sweden's forests are privately owned.
SW4016 Fresh Deciduous Fruit Report
Report Date 10/13/04
Highlight: Although U.S. apple imports by Sweden increased slightly in 2003, the U.S. share of the import market is still less than one percent. Imports of U.S. pears increased from 2,872 metric tons in 2002 to 3,507 metric tons, not including significant transshipments of U.S. products through the Netherlands. The main constraint to exports of U.S. apples and pears to Sweden is the stiff competition from EU suppliers. However, the considerably lower-valued dollar is offering better opportunities for U.S. fruits in 2004. Also, due to the growing interest in organic fruits, the large retailers are looking for certified organic suppliers.
SW4015 Fishery Products Report
Report Date 10/8/04
Highlight: Imports of fish and fish products to Sweden which have been rising due to declining domestic production will likely continue to increase. With the weaker dollar vis-ā-vis the Swedish krona, the U.S. has potential to gain market share. In July 2004, the first wild fish products certified and labeled as organic were launched on the Swedish market.
SW4012 Organic Products Report
Report Date 09/08/04
Highlight: This report gives an overview of the market for organic products in Sweden and also outlines the requirements for organic food imports into Sweden. Swedish organic production and consumption and trade policy is also discussed.
SW2002 Oilseeds and Products Report
Report Date 03/06/02
Highlight: Favorable price developments on rapeseed in 2001 has been offsetting reduced CAP support and have increased the interest among farmers to plant rapeseed. Area planted to winter rapeseed in 2001 increased by 70 percent. However, the long-term effect of reduced CAP support is expected to be reduced rapeseed production in Sweden. Increased import requirements for vegetable protein for animal feed, due to the EU meat and bone meal (MBM) ban have been filled by soybean oilcakes, none of which is presently sourced from the U.S.
SW1023 Dairy and Products Report
Report Date 11/12/01
Highlight: Swedish exports of dairy products increased by 11 percent, or 6,000 metric tons, in CY 2000, while imports decreased by 4 percent, or 2,000 metric tons. Exports of milk powder increased by 64 percent. According to its strategic plan, Arla Foods, the largest dairy company in northern Europe, is planning to close 17 dairies and reduce its staff by 700 people as it concentrates investment in larger production units.
SW1020 HRI Food Service Sector Report
Report Date 11/7/01
Highlight: Sweden's hotel, restaurant and institution (HRI) food service sector has grown considerably in the past decade. The HRI sector has become more diverse over the years and holds considerable potential for U.S. food products. Ready-to-go/take away food has become increasingly popular and ready-made meals have enjoyed a high growth rate for many years. Today, more than 20 per cent of meals are eaten outside of the home in Sweden. It is estimated that the number of such meals will increase by close to 11 per cent by 2004, of which fast food meals are expected to enjoy the greatest percentage increase with more than 25 per cent growth by 2004. Moreover, traditional restaurant sales are expected to increase by about 18-19 per cent in the next 3 years. This growth is expected to occur despite the recent economic slowdown in Sweden. It is attributable to a changing lifestyle in the Viking country, and is reflective of an increasingly convenience -oriented and time-conscious population. Changes in menu offerings are catering to a growing taste for international and ethnic foods and health-conscious consumers.
FI6002 Solid Wood Products Report
Report Date 09/15/06
Highlight: Finnish production of sawn softwood has been increasing to record levels over the past decade. While the domestic market for sawn softwood is still strong, future expansion in production is highly dependent on raw material prices and export growth. In 2005, the Finnish forest industry reduced overall production by 12 percent due to a labor dispute that developed within the Finnish paper industry resulting in the shutdown of Finnish saw mill operations for several weeks.
FI5001 - Retail Food Sector Report (PDF Format)
Date: 07/18/2005
Highlight: The recent consolidation and restructuring of the Nordic retail food sector offers interesting opportunities for U.S. suppliers in terms of volume and variety of products in demand. Best prospects include seafood, convenience food, and products appealing to the health conscious. Additionally, the market is expanding for international and ethnic cuisines. A major impediment to increased U.S. sales is consumer resistance to products containing genetically modified (GMO) ingredients. Nevertheless, a weak dollar in 2003 and 2004 has fueled new interest in U.S. food products.
FI5002 - Solid Wood Products Report (PDF Format)
Date: 9/02/2005
Highlight: In 2004, the output from Finnish sawmills amounted to 13.5 million cum, 1 percent less than in 2003. Total exports of sawn softwood increased by 2 percent to 8.2 million cum. Exports to the European market remained stable, while exports to markets outside Europe increased by almost 6 percent.
FI5003 - Fishery Products (PDF Format)
Date: 12/05/2005
Highlight: Certain Baltic Sea species - primarily herring, pike, and salmon - exceed the EU's dioxin threshold. However, Finnish and Swedish authorities continue to recommend seafood consumption because of its overall health benefits.
FI6001 - Exporter Guide (PDF Format)
Date: 04/05/2006
Highlight: Due to the severe Nordic winters and relatively short growing season, Finland relies heavily on imported food and agricultural products. There are opportunities for high-value products, products which are not produced domestically and new-to-market products, including ethnic and "healthy" food and drink products. Major current impediments to U.S. sales include consumer resistance to products containing genetically modified (GM) ingredients.
FI2006
- Organic Products Report
Report Date: Sep 17 2002
Highlight: The organic market in Finland has been increasing at a slow but steady rate over the past several years. Surveys indicate that 42 percent of the consumers purchase organic foods on an occasional basis. The number of regular buyers has risen from 11 to 19 percent since 1998. Although the outlook for the Finnish organic market is positive, U.S. exporters of organic food products face some significant challenges in the form of competition by local farmers and suppliers from European Union member countries.
FI2001
- HRI Food Service Sector Report
Report Date: Jan 31 2002
Highlight: Finland's hotel, restaurant and institution (HRI) food service sector has enjoyed positive developments in the past five years. The HRI sector has become more diversified and could entertain potential for U.S. food and drink products. The ready meals segment is in particular showing a high growth rate in Finland as in-store eating and take away are becoming more and more common. It is estimated that about 20 percent of meals are eaten out of the home at present and the fast food sector is gaining the most from this new trend. Restaurant sales are thus expected to increase by some 10-15 percent in coming years.
FI1007 - Agricultural Situation Report
Report Date: Dec 11 2001
Highlight: The strategic plan for Finland's agriculture through the year 2010, as presented by Finnish Agriculture Minister Kalevi Hemila, continues to rely heavily on subsidies to keep agriculture viable
NO6007 Fishery Products Report
Report Date 10/6/06
Highlight: In 2005, the value of Norwegian seafood exports amounted to NOK 31.7 billion (USD 4.9 billion), an increase of 11 percent from 2004 and the highest value ever. Further growth in Norwegian seafood exports is highly dependent on the level of Russian import restrictions for Norwegian seafood.
NO6001 - Fishery Products (PDF Format)
Date: 1/23/2006
Highlight: Once again, the safety of Norwegian salmon is making the headlines in the Norwegian and Swedish press. The Russian ban on Norwegian salmon imports and a Cornell University study on the risks of farmed salmon are amongst the most recent challenges to the Norwegian farmed salmon industry. Adding salt to the wound, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority has discovered the unauthorized use of nitrites by eight Norwegian salmon producers. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority is vigorously defending Norway's farmed salmon industry.
NO6002 - Livestock and Products (PDF Format)
Date: 3/22/2006
Highlight: In Norway, fourteen young children have been infected by the E.coli bacteria since February 2006. Ten of these children have developed acute kidney failure and one child has died from complications. The initial source of infection was identified as ground beef but then narrowed to processed sausage. The current suspect is imported spice.
NO6003 - Food and Agricultural Import Regulations Report (PDF Format)
Date: 5/4/2006
Highlight: This report outlines the requirements for food and agricultural imports into Norway. The report aims to assist U.S. exporters by providing information on labeling, packaging, permitted ingredients and other relevant information. It also provides points of contact for Norwegian government authorities.
NO6004 - Food and Agricultural Import Regulations Report (PDF Format)
Date: 08/11/2006
Highlight: As a member of the EEA, Norway applies EU regulations to export certificates. In addition, Norway applies specific sanitary certificate requirements with regard to salmonella for imports of fresh meat, meat preparations and eggs.
NO6005 - Biotechnology Report (PDF Format)
Date: 08/11/2006
Highlight: This report gives an overview of the situation for genetically engineered products with regard to regulation, policy, and the marketing environment in Norway.
NO5005
- Fishery Products Report
Report Date: Feb 25 2005
Highlight: On February 9, 2005, the Norwegian government (GON) announced its decision to challenge the EU’s new safeguard measures against imports of farmed salmon at the WTO Dispute Settlement Body. These measures took effect on February 6, 2005. GON officials maintain that the safeguards, which include minimum import prices, tariff rate quotas and a financial guarantee mechanism, are unjustified and favor inefficient salmon farmers in Ireland and Scotland at the expense of the more efficient Norwegian fish farming industry.
NO5004
- Retail Food Sector Report
Report Date: Feb 25 2005
Highlight: New players entered the Norwegian retail food market in 2004 as both Carrefour and Lidl opened their first stores in Norway. Existing chains are countering the new competition by widening their offerings with cheaper private brands. It is becoming increasingly difficult for domestic as well as imported branded products to penetrate the Norwegian retail food sector.
NO4002
- Food Processing Ingredients Sector Report
Report Date: Feb 16 2005
Highlight: Norway is a high-cost producer and is only 50 percent self-sufficient in agricultural products and the Norwegian food processing industries need to source a number of ingredients from other countries. However, for products produced domestically, imports face high tariffs, as the Norwegian Government strives to assure that domestic crops are used before any products can be imported at competitive prices.
NO5003
- Fishery Products Export Report
Report Date: Feb 10 2005
Highlight: Preliminary data on Norwegian seafood exports for 2004 indicate an increase in total value but a decline in total volume over the previous year. The EU remains the major destination for Norwegian seafood, taking in 74 percent of the record salmon exports. Russia is an increasingly important destination, as exports to the United States declined by 20 percent.
NO4004
- Biotechnology Report
Report Date: Nov 4 2004
Highlight: Current and developing Norwegian legislation and regulations concerning bioengineered food and feed products coupled with negative public sentiment and a generally protecionist environment make their sale in Norway a dim near-term prospect.
NO4003
- Exporter Guide
Report Date: Sep 3 2004
Highlight: Due to climatic reasons, Norway has a high import need for products which cannot be produced in the country. However, for products which can be produced domestically, Norway remains a highly protected market, through tariff and non-tariff barriers. Norway maintains strict policy concerning genetically modified organisms (GMO’s), which keeps products containing GMO’s out of the market. On Jan. 1, 2004, Norway’s
NO3002 -
Oilseeds and Products Report
Report Date: May 7 2003
Highlight: Norway continues its policy of zero tolerance for live bioengineered food products, including soybeans. This has resulted in no imports of U.S. beans, and a complete conversion to identity-preserved soybeans from Brazil. Norwegian consumers, however, are increasingly turning to other oils, partially due to ongoing debates on products of agricultural biotechnology. Soybean oil market share continues to drop as a consequence, raising concerns about the long-term viability of Norway's crushing business and, therefore, its potential as an import market.
