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You Can Buy Norwegian Products Cheaper Abroad. The Price Differences Are Striking
Norwegian products are known for their high quality, but rising prices may discourage consumers. stock.adobe.com/licencja standardowa
A new price survey has shown that many well-known Norwegian food products cost less in Swedish stores than in Norway. The price differences reach several dozen percent. This applies not only to sweets and drinks, but also to cheeses, cold cuts, and water. The results of the comparison have surprised both consumers and industry experts.
In a price comparison between the Kiwi chain and shopping centers in the border town of Nordby, the differences turned out to be significant. For example, a 550-gram bag of Freia Twist costs 76.25 NOK in Sweden, while in Norway it is as much as 181.50 NOK. The comparison included 52 products, including brands such as Tine, Grilstad, and Mills. Interestingly, even Norwegian mineral water is cheaper on the other side of the border. The exception is Mills products – mayonnaise and light mayonnaise, which cost six to nine percent more in Sweden.
Dordi Lerum, a member of the Centre Party, admits that the situation is incomprehensible to her. In her opinion, the three retail chains that control 95 percent of the Norwegian market limit competition. “There is no logical reason why Norwegian food should be cheaper in Sweden,” Lerum emphasizes. She adds that it is a paradox that Norwegian cheese and meat are cheaper just a few kilometers from the border.
Experts Point to Weak Competition in Norway
Retail market expert Erik Fagerlid points to other reasons for the differences. He notes the greater number of independent wholesalers in Sweden, which fosters competition and lower prices.
In Norway, there are only three wholesalers, all owned by retail chains. Additionally, a larger number of stores with a smaller population increases operating costs. “In Norway, the same cheese has to cost the same in Honningsvåg and in Oslo,” says Fagerlid.
In Norway, there are only three wholesalers, all owned by retail chains. Additionally, a larger number of stores with a smaller population increases operating costs. “In Norway, the same cheese has to cost the same in Honningsvåg and in Oslo,” says Fagerlid.
One-day shopping trips to Sweden have become a permanent habit among Norwegians.Photo: Adobe Stock, standard license (illustrative photo)
Higher Costs, Bigger Stores, and a Cheaper Currency Exchange Rate
Industry representatives also explain the price differences. Kristine Arvin from the Kiwi chain points to higher operating costs in Norway – from taxes to transport and rent.
Meanwhile, Patrik Zäll from Nordby Supermarket emphasizes that large Swedish border stores can negotiate better prices and benefit from a cheaper currency exchange rate. Additionally, some Freia and Tine products sold in Sweden are produced in EU countries, including Ireland and Lithuania.
Meanwhile, Patrik Zäll from Nordby Supermarket emphasizes that large Swedish border stores can negotiate better prices and benefit from a cheaper currency exchange rate. Additionally, some Freia and Tine products sold in Sweden are produced in EU countries, including Ireland and Lithuania.
High Quality of Norwegian Food, but Rising Prices at Home
Lerum points out that despite the worrying price differences, she is pleased with the strong position of Norwegian food abroad. She emphasizes that Norwegian products stand out for their quality, low use of antibiotics, and high farming standards.
However, she warns that further price increases in the country may discourage Norwegians from buying local products. “If Norwegian consumers stop choosing Norwegian food, it will weaken our self-sufficiency,” she says.
However, she warns that further price increases in the country may discourage Norwegians from buying local products. “If Norwegian consumers stop choosing Norwegian food, it will weaken our self-sufficiency,” she says.
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