Your guide to exporting organic products to the Nordic countries
Are you a business owner who is considering exporting organic products to Nordic countries? If the thought of entering into these markets for the first time has left you with more questions than answers, don't worry. In this blog post, I will cover 12 essential questions and answers related to exporting organic products to countries like Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Let's get started on demystifying this potentially confusing process so that your business can reap all of its financial benefits.
1. What is the difference between organic and sustainable products?
Organic products and sustainable products are similar in that they both aim to minimize negative impacts on the environment and promote ethical practices. However, there are some key differences between the two.
What are organic products?
Organic products are agricultural products and food that are produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or other synthetic substances. Instead, they rely on natural methods of farming and pest control to produce crops, such as crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control. Organic livestock farming also requires animals to be raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones.
Organic products are subject to specific regulations and certifications to ensure that they meet certain standards of production and quality. In the United States, for example, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) oversees the National Organic Program (NOP), which sets the standards for organic production and labeling. In Europe, organic standards are set by the European Union, and products must meet the EU's organic certification requirements to be labeled as organic.
Organic products are becoming increasingly popular due to their perceived health benefits, environmental sustainability, and ethical considerations. They are available in many different categories, including fresh produce, meat and poultry, dairy products, grains, and packaged foods.
What are sustainable products?
Sustainable products are products that are designed, produced, and disposed of in ways that minimize negative impacts on the environment and promote ethical practices throughout the product's life cycle. Sustainable products consider the full range of environmental, social, and economic impacts of a product, from its production to its disposal.
Some key features of sustainable products include:
- Use of renewable resources: Sustainable products aim to minimize the use of non-renewable resources and instead use renewable resources wherever possible, such as using recycled materials or sourcing materials from sustainable sources.
- Reducing waste: Sustainable products aim to reduce waste throughout the product's life cycle, from production to disposal. This may include designing products for durability and repairability, using recyclable or compostable materials, or minimizing packaging.
- Ethical labor practices: Sustainable products prioritize fair labor practices and may use certifications such as Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance to ensure that workers are paid fairly and have safe working conditions.
- Environmental impact: Sustainable products aim to minimize negative impacts on the environment throughout the product's life cycle, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions or using non-toxic materials.
Sustainable products can include a wide range of products, from clothing and household items to electronics and vehicles. Many companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices in their products and operations in response to growing consumer demand for environmentally and socially responsible products.
While organic products have specific regulations and standards they must follow, sustainable products focus on a broader set of environmental and social factors. Both types of products promote ethical and environmentally friendly practices, but they have different approaches to achieving these goals.
2. Which Nordic country consumes the most organic products?
Denmark is the Nordic country that consumes the most organic products per capita, followed closely by Sweden. According to data from 2020, Denmark had the highest organic market share in the world, with 12.1% of its food sales coming from organic products. Sweden had a 10.3% organic market share, Norway had a 5.6% organic market share and Finland had a 2.6% organic market share.
The 10 most popular, organic products of Danish consumers anno 2020 are:
- Bananas (66.5%)
- Plantbased dairy (64.9%)
- Carrots (47.6%)
- Oatmeal (47.2%)
- Natural Yoghurt (47.0%)
- Root crop (45.4%)
- Cabbage (36.2%)
- Milk (34.3%)
- Flour (33.7%)
- Eggs (31.2%)
Source: GfK ConsumerScan
The table below shows the value shares of the total, organic turnover per category in 2020.
However, it's worth noting that all of the Nordic countries have a relatively high consumption of organic products compared to many other countries around the world, and there is generally a strong interest in sustainability and environmentally-friendly products in the region.
3. Which Nordic country consumes the least organic products?
Finland is the Nordic country that consumes the least organic products per capita, according to data from 2020. Finland had a 2.6% organic market share, which is relatively low compared to the other Nordic countries. However, it's worth noting that even in Finland, there is a growing interest in organic and sustainable products, and the market for these products is expanding. Many Finnish consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental and health benefits of organic products and are making purchasing decisions accordingly.
4. Is organic food more popular in Norway or Finland?
According to data from 2020, organic food is more popular in Norway than in Finland. Norway had a 5.6% organic market share, while Finland had a 2.6% organic market share. However, it's worth noting that both Norway and Finland have a relatively high consumption of organic products compared to many other countries around the world, and there is generally a strong interest in sustainability and environmentally-friendly products in the region.
5. Which Nordic country imports the most organic goods?
Denmark is the Nordic country that imports the most organic goods, according to data from 2020. Denmark has a large organic market and is one of the leading countries in the world when it comes to organic agriculture and production. While Denmark is a relatively small country in terms of population, it has a strong economy and is home to many large food companies that import organic products from around the world. In recent years, there has also been a growing interest in organic and sustainable products among Danish consumers, which has contributed to the country's high level of organic imports.
6. Where do the Nordic countries import organic goods from?
Nordic countries import organic goods from various countries around the world. The specific countries and regions they import from can vary depending on the type of product and availability. However, some of the top countries that the Nordic countries import organic goods from include:
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Spain
- Italy
- Denmark
- France
- United States
- Turkey
- Greece
- China
These countries are major producers and exporters of organic products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat.
7. Where do the Nordic countries import organic skin care products from?
The Nordic countries import organic skin care products from various countries around the world. The specific countries and regions they import from can vary depending on the type of product and availability. However, some of the top countries that the Nordic countries import organic skin care products from include:
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- United States
- Italy
- Denmark
- Switzerland
- Spain
- Sweden
- Australia
These countries are major producers and exporters of organic skin care products, such as lotions, creams, and oils. The Nordic countries also produce a significant amount of organic skin care products themselves and export them to other countries as well.
The specific import and export trends may vary from year to year depending on market demands and availability.
8. Do Asian brands export their organic skincare and food products to Nordic countries?
Yes, many Asian brands do export their organic skincare and food products to Nordic countries. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Asian beauty and wellness products in the Nordic region, with consumers seeking out products that are formulated with natural and organic ingredients.
Some popular Asian brands that are available in Nordic countries include Innisfree, The Face Shop, Shiseido, and Laneige, among others. Additionally, many Nordic retailers and online marketplaces offer a range of Asian organic skincare and food products to meet the growing demand from consumers.
9. What are the biggest obstacles when wanting to export organic goods to the Nordic market?
- Strict regulations: The Nordic countries have some of the strictest regulations for organic certification, which can make it difficult for exporters to meet the standards and requirements.
- Competition: The Nordic market is highly competitive, and exporters must compete with local and international brands that have established themselves in the region.
- Logistics: Shipping and logistics can be challenging when exporting organic goods to the Nordic market, as it requires careful planning and coordination to ensure the products are delivered on time and in good condition.
- Cultural differences: Exporters must also consider the cultural differences in the Nordic market and tailor their marketing and branding strategies accordingly.
- Price sensitivity: The Nordic market is known to be price-sensitive, and consumers may be reluctant to pay premium prices for organic products.
- Language barriers: Exporters must also overcome language barriers and ensure that their products are marketed in the appropriate language for the target market.
10. What are the benefits of exporting organic products to the Nordic market?
There are several potential benefits of exporting organic products to the Nordic market, including:
- High demand: There is a growing demand for organic products in the Nordic market, as consumers are increasingly interested in healthy and sustainable food and skincare options.
- Strong purchasing power: The Nordic countries have high disposable incomes and strong purchasing power, which means consumers may be willing to pay a premium for high-quality organic products.
- Strict regulations: While strict regulations can be a challenge for exporters, they can also work in their favor by ensuring that only high-quality organic products are allowed in the market. This can help build trust and credibility with consumers.
- Innovation: The Nordic market is known for being innovative and open to new ideas, which can provide opportunities for exporters to introduce new organic products or unique formulations.
- Market access: Exporting organic products to the Nordic market can provide access to a large and growing market with a high level of consumer awareness and interest in organic products.
- Sustainability: The Nordic market places a high value on sustainability, which can be a selling point for organic products that are produced in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible way.
11. What is the certification process for organic products in Nordic countries?
Such as the requirements for organic labeling and certification organizations.
The certification process for organic products in the Nordic countries varies slightly between each country, but generally follows a similar set of guidelines.
Norway
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) is responsible for regulating and inspecting organic food production. To receive organic certification, farmers and producers must follow strict guidelines set by the Norwegian regulations for organic production, processing, and labeling.
Sweden
The Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) is responsible for regulating organic food production. To be certified as organic, farmers and producers must meet the requirements set by the Swedish regulations for organic production, which include following strict guidelines for farming practices, handling, processing, and labeling.
Denmark
The Danish Agriculture and Food Council (Landbrug & Fødevarer) oversees the certification process for organic food. To be certified, farmers and producers must meet the requirements set by the Danish regulations for organic production, which includes following strict guidelines for farming practices, handling, processing, and labeling.
Finland
The Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) is responsible for regulating organic food production. To be certified as organic, farmers and producers must follow strict guidelines set by the Finnish regulations for organic production, processing, and labeling.
In general, the requirements for organic labeling in the Nordic countries include using specific labeling language, such as "organic" or "ecological," and including a certification logo or code. Additionally, organic products must meet specific production and processing requirements, such as avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, using organic seed, and meeting animal welfare standards.
There are several organizations that provide certification for organic products in Nordic countries, including Debio in Norway, KRAV in Sweden, and the Danish Organic Association in Denmark. These organizations work closely with farmers and producers to ensure that their products meet the requirements for organic certification and labeling.
12. Where can I learn more about the organic product market in the Nordics?
There are several sources where you can learn more about the organic product market in the Nordics:
- Nordic Organic Food Fair: This is a trade show that takes place annually in Malmö, Sweden, and is the Nordic region's largest event for organic food and drink. The fair showcases the latest products and trends in the organic food market and attracts visitors and exhibitors from across the region.
- Organic Denmark: This is a trade association for the Danish organic food industry that provides information and resources on the Danish organic market. The association's website has a wealth of information on market trends, consumer behavior, and industry news.
Organic Sweden: This is a similar organization to Organic Denmark, but focused on the Swedish market. They provide information on market trends, certification requirements, and consumer preferences.
The Organic Trade Association: This is an international organization that represents the organic industry and provides resources and information on organic markets around the world. They have a specific section on their website dedicated to the Nordic region, with data and reports on the organic market in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland.
Statistics agencies: The national statistics agencies in each Nordic country provide detailed data on the organic market. For example, Statistics Norway, Statistics Sweden, and Statistics Finland all have information on the size and growth of the organic market in their respective countries.
Market analysis of organic foods in the Nordic and Baltic countries. By Anna Pekala, Rambøll Management Consulting.
These sources can provide valuable information on the organic product market in the Nordics, including market size, growth rates, consumer behavior, and industry trends.
Organic symbols of the Nordic countries
The organic symbols of the Nordic countries are as follows:
Denmark: The Danish organic label is a red Ø (a letter unique to the Danish language), which stands for "økologisk" (organic).
Finland: The Finnish organic label is a green and white label that says "Luomu" (organic) with a stylized plant in the center.
Norway: The Norwegian organic label is a green and white label that says "Økologisk" (organic) with a stylized plant in the center.
Sweden: The Swedish organic label is a green and white label that says "Krav" with a stylized plant in the center.
You can find more information about organic labeling and certification organizations for each Nordic country by visiting their respective official government websites.
Conclusion
With a greater understanding of exporting organic products to Nordic countries, you can proceed with strategies that will set up your business for success. By staying informed on regulations and customs and taking advantage of available resources, aspiring exporters can make sure that their exporting experience is smooth and profitable. Don’t forget to take note of tips regarding transport companies, insurance coverage, and potential customs-related delays.
If your entrepreneurial vision includes venturing into these foreign markets, follow this guide and aim to ensure success throughout the entire export process. Before long, you will have unlocked the door to new possibilities, healthy competition, and global exposure in the lucrative world of international trade.
Learn more about exporting to the Nordic countries:
Top 10 Questions & Answers About Exporting To Denmark
Top 10 Questions & Answers About Exporting To Finland
