Swedes rally against soaring grocery prices in national boycott
In Sweden, due to rising prices, customers began a week-long boycott of the largest grocery store chains on Monday. In response, the government in Stockholm summoned the heads of trading companies for a discussion.
The campaign organisers, both private individuals and influencers, aim to pressure the three largest Swedish corporations—Ica, Coop, and Axfood (including Hemköp stores)—to lower food prices.
According to the research firm Matpriskollen, in February, grocery shopping costs grew at the fastest rate in two years, with the prices of many products being over 20 per cent higher compared to January. Dairy products and chocolate goods saw the steepest increases.
The robbery of Swedes
The opposition supported the boycott. The leader of the Left Party, Nooshi Dadgostar, called the price hikes "robbery,” and the head of the Social Democrats, Magdalena Andersson, urged the centre-right government to take urgent actions.
Later this week, the Finance Minister, Elisabeth Svantesson, and the Agriculture Minister, Peter Kullgren, are scheduled to meet with the heads of the largest grocery store chains. "The purpose of the talks is to create a dialogue, listen to the industry's assessment of the situation and work together for lower prices for food customers," stated the announcement.
Too little competition and global situation
Statistics collected by the newspaper "Aftonbladet" indicate that Ica, Coop, and Axfood, which own most of Sweden's stores, improved their financial results from 2019 to 2024, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation. In 2024, the Swedish Consumer Agency concluded that there is too little competition in the market.
Representatives of the organisation Svensk Dagligvaruhandel, which comprises the largest retail chains, argue that the boycott is directed at the wrong target. They respond that prices are affected by food producers' struggles and the uncertain global situation.
It is unclear how many customers will join the protest. According to a non-representative online survey conducted by DealGuru, which offers promotional coupons, 69 per cent of respondents declared participation in the action.
