Swedish Shoppers Stage Boycott Over Rising Grocery Prices
Swedish supermarket boycott: Consumers in Sweden have initiated a week-long boycott of major supermarkets to protest soaring food prices. This action follows a significant increase in grocery costs, marking the largest spike in two years observed in February. Thousands are participating in the demonstration, which commenced on Monday, March 17, as reported by international news outlets.
Significant Increase in Food Costs
Estimates suggest a substantial rise in annual household grocery expenses, potentially reaching 30,000 kronor (approximately £2,290) since January 2022. Official data from Sweden’s statistics agency reveals a 3.9% rise in food prices in February compared to the previous year, the highest annual increase in two years. Independent price monitoring site Matpriskollen reported a dramatic 19.1% surge in grocery store prices over just two years as of January.
Dairy Products Hit Hardest
Dairy items are among the supermarket products experiencing the most significant price hikes. Butter prices have jumped by 26% within a year, with milk and cheese also showing notable increases, according to the statistics agency.
“Bojkotta vecka 12” Protest Gains Traction
The “Bojkotta vecka 12” (Boycott Week 12) initiative was launched in response to escalating prices and has evolved into a prominent topic of discussion within Swedish society and on social media platforms.
Campaigners Blame Supermarket “Oligopoly”
Organizers attribute the escalating costs to a perceived “oligopoly” of supermarkets and major food producers.
They have urged Swedish consumers to avoid shopping at prominent supermarket chains. The targeted retailers include Lidl, Hemköp, Ica, Coop, and Willys, aiming to express widespread discontent.
Protesters assert that profit maximization has been prioritized over customer interests and have voiced criticism regarding the perceived lack of robust competition among major retail chains.
Reports indicate that these leading chains collectively control approximately 90% of Sweden’s grocery store market.
Consumer Impact in Stockholm
In Skarholmen, a Stockholm suburb, residents conveyed to news sources their struggles to manage household budgets. One pensioner noted the daily price increases, citing milk prices rising by around five kronor (£0.39) per carton.
The resident further highlighted a stark example of inflation, mentioning the cost of nuts: “The other day, I was going to buy nuts and it was very shocking: 350 kronor (£27.09) a kilo.”
Further Boycott Actions Planned
Protesters are planning subsequent actions, including a three-week boycott targeting Ica, a major grocery retailer in Sweden, as well as dairy producer Arla. Future boycotts against additional businesses are also being considered.
Movement Seeks Political Action
Filippa Lind, a prominent figure advocating for the initiative through social media, expressed hope that the boycott will prompt “political action” to lower food prices.
Government and Retailer Responses
Requests for comments have been directed to the office of the Minister for Energy, Business and Industry via email.
Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson and Rural Affairs Minister Peter Kullgren recently convened with representatives from ICA, Coop, and Axfood (parent company of Hemköp and Willys). Government officials stated the purpose was to “hear the industry’s assessment of the situation and collaborate to reduce prices for consumers.”
Minister Kullgren has since declared price stabilization as a key priority and affirmed a commitment to further pursue efforts in this area, according to reports.
A recently introduced food strategy is also aimed at boosting overall food production, promoting domestically produced goods, and strengthening Sweden’s resilience to crises, as reported by Sweden Herald.
Willys Spokesperson Responds
Johanna Eurén, a spokesperson for Willys, stated: “We have full understanding for customers and the worry and frustration that food prices have increased. We understand that people want to show their discontent.”
However, she added: “We probably think the boycott is a bit misguided.”
Ica, Arla, Lidl Sweden, Hemköp, and Coop have all been contacted via email for their perspectives on the ongoing situation.