Swedish food has many advantages

The use of antibiotics in the animal production is the lowest in the EU. Sweden is also one of the countries in the EU using the least amount of pesticides per cultivated area. The Nordic climate gives a lot of daylight in the summer and low temperatures, stimulating the forming of aroma in Swedish fruits and vegetables making them taste more.

Added value in Swedish horticulture

Swedish horticulture, that is the production of for example fruit, berries, vegetables, potatoes, legumes, cereals and oilseeds, has added values that among other things stem from the fact that national laws and commitments go beyond requirements in many other countries. Some examples are given below.

• In Sweden there are more restrictions on the use of pesticides in farming compared to many other countries. This is a benefit for people working in agriculture, for consumers eating the products and for the environment. A healthy environment and the wellbeing of inhabitants are also promoted through national objectives such as “A non-toxic environment”, “Good quality of groundwater” and “A varied agricultural landscape.”
• The soil types in Sweden are favourable for agriculture, and we also have advantages as the climate is colder up north. This reduces the need to use certain pesticides as well as the risk of damage by insects and other pests. Sweden is one of the countries in the EU that uses the least chemical pesticides per hectare.
• Fruits and vegetables grown in Sweden have low levels of pesticide residues, which is monitored by the National Food Administration.
• It is prohibited to use chemical agents on harvested products in Sweden. Instead, the problem has been addressed through the implementation of improved storage methods.
• In Sweden the pressure on the groundwater is among the lowest within the EU, with a water stress index of about one percent.
• A cool growing climate and long daylight hours during summer can result in tastier products, as low temperatures stimulate aromatic substances. Thus, the climate in Sweden is suited to the production of aromatic fruits and berries.
• The use of alternative crop protection methods is important. To reduce the use of pesticides, Swedish farmers use crop rotation and select plant varieties that are naturally resistant to certain harmful organisms.

Added value in Swedish livestock production

Swedish meat, egg and milk production has added values that, among other things, depend on the fact that our animal protection laws are stricter than in many other countries. Some examples are given below.

• In Sweden the use of antibiotics to promote fast growth has been prohibited since the 1980’s and we have lowest antibiotic use in livestock production of all EU countries.

• • Preventive measures to keep animal healthy are important to lower the use of antibiotic.
  • The prescription of antibiotics is regulated so that it is only used when necessary and we mainly use narrow-spectrum antibiotics. All in all, this reduces the risk of spreading resistant bacteria.

• We have a low presence of salmonella in Swedish animal production. Thus, consumers who eat Swedish meat and eggs run a lower risk of getting sick.
• Animals are kept in an environment that improves the possibilities for them to behave naturally. Stables are constructed to give more space for each animal, and it is also obligatory to offer enrichment such as straw for pigs. The tails of the pigs are not clipped off, and it is forbidden to trim the beaks of hens and chickens.
• Swedish cattle, sheep and lambs are allowed to graze outdoors and are let out to pasture in the summer. Through grazing, these animals contribute to the preservation of natural pasture that have high biodiversity.
• Swedish animals are stunned or anaesthetized prior to surgical procedures and slaughter, and the transport to the slaughterhouse must not exceed eight hours.
• Swedish animal welfare regulations impose relatively strict limits on levels of moisture, carbon dioxide, manure gases and noise. Stables must have windows, to allow daylight into the building.
• Due to efficient animal rearing and feed production, the carbon footprint from Swedish meat and milk production is lower than in many other countries.

Sweden represented at Grüne Woche 2026

At Grüne Woche, one of the world's leading events in the food, agriculture and horticulture sectors, Swedish producers and food destinations will present products that represent both our rich heritage and future.

In the Swedish pavilion themed “Discover, taste and experience Sweden”, visitors are welcomed by a wide range of products, from pickled herring, Swedish crispbread, cheese, elk sausage and mustard to craft beer and beverages with flavours from the forest. The more innovative offerings include seaweed crispbread, sparkling birch sap and fried flatbread chips.

As a culinary destination Sweden has much to offer with unique flavours and experiences. Several of the producers represented in the pavilion welcome visitors to their destinations. We also provide tourist material and inspiration as well as information about added values of Swedish food production.

The Swedish pavilion is organised by Jordbruksverket, the Swedish Board of Agriculture. We are proud to present Swedish quality and gastronomy at Grüne Woche.

In German/Auf Deutsch

• Verantwortung­svolle Lebensmittel­produktion