Sweden is probably one of Europe’s most advanced nations in addressing sustainability issues as demonstrated by their large usage of biofuels produced from ethanol, rape seed oil and bio gas and the high level of household waste recycling.
The recently released BordBia consumer behaviour survey, Persicope 2013, shows that Sweden is one of the countries with the highest consciousness for environmental issues in product choice and the highest preference for buying from environmentally aware companies.
Leading Swedish retailers such as ICA and Axfood have incorporated sustainability in their key strategic priorities. The Swedish retail focus on sustainability issues is highlighted by the presence of ICA and Coop as the top 2 best perceived sustainable companies from a range of 228 Swedish companies. The fast food burger chain Max is also paving its way through the measurement and communication on the carbon footprinting of its meals.
Origin Green is a key USP for Irish exporters seeking to establish themselves into the Swedish market. Not only is it addressing some of the Swedish consumers issues, but it is also a way for exporters to increase their point of contacts with their customers by liaising with the marketing, Quality and CSR departments which play a strong role in the typically Nordic flat organisational decision process.
Source: BordBia – Addressing Swedish Sustainability focus with Origin Green
