ICA Gruppen conducts grocery retail business in Sweden. The market is characterised by a high pace of change and fierce competition.
In Sweden, a limited number of traditional actors have a high total market share, but competition for customers is fierce. The market is characterised by considerable sector convergence, with ever-greater competition from restaurants, cafés and pure-play online retailers.
In Sweden the average household spends about 12% of its disposable income on food and groceries and the population in Sweden is growing.
Sales of food and other groceries generally follow the demographic trend. The growth rate can in general terms be described as moderate but stable. Compared with other retail segments, grocery retail is less sensitive to economic fluctuations. Among the factors that are driving sales value are primarily inflation and a higher share of value added products – such as entire meal solutions. A higher share of organic and locally sourced products is also making a positive contribution.