Western Europe

Processed meat and seafood saw dynamic volume growth in Sweden when the pandemic emerged in 2020, as consumers sought to stock up on food that they could store, to avoid the risk of viral transmission. From 2021 onwards, however, as consumers resumed…

After seeing exceptional growth in 2020, packaging volumes of processed fruit and vegetables declined in Sweden in 2022, as consumer habits returned to normal following the pandemic. When the pandemic emerged, fears of viral transmission kept…

Plant-based dairy packaging volumes continued to see strong growth in 2022, due to the rise in consumer demand for plant-based products due health, ethical, or environmental reasons. Swedish consumers are particularly conscious of the impact their…

Light vehicle sales were still recovering in 2022, with SUVs and crossovers remaining the most popular car type. The government’s efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and to encourage more sustainable lifestyles are aiding the rise of battery electric…

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a significant boost to volume sales of meals and soups in Sweden, as consumers remained within their homes for fear of contracting the disease. Meals and soups categories such as ready meals, frozen pizza, meal kits,…

Unit volumes of dairy packaging declined for a second year in Sweden in 2022, normalising following the surge in demand the category witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Lockdowns, fears of viral transmission, and foodservice closures…

Total confectionery packaging volumes saw a marginal decline in 2022. Although chocolate confectionery and gum saw increases in their packaging volumes in this year, the decline witnessed in sugar confectionery was enough to drive the overall…

Total packaging volumes in baby food saw slow and stable growth in Sweden over 2020-2022, with the pandemic and associated economic uncertainties having little impact on the category. Swedish parents consider their children’s nutrition to be a…

Although the political scene is facing instability, Sweden will soon join NATO, whilst its state finances remain sustainable. A slowing economy has been hampered by elevated food and energy prices, but inflation is falling and infrastructure upgrades…

Denmark enjoys considerable economic freedom and is one of the least corrupt countries globally, but the income tax burden is high. The economy is slowing markedly, but inflation has retreated and unemployment is lower than peers. Although there is a…

Light vehicles are forecast to see slower growth over the forecast period, with SUVs and crossovers representing 61% of total sales by 2027. The government’s financial incentives, such as lower registration taxes favouring electric and zero-emission…

Milan and Bologna stand out as Italy's most economically dynamic cities, with Bari displaying the greatest potential for future economic expansion. However, Italian cities will face enduring challenges. In the short term, these include a global…

In 2022, construction grappled with rising interest rates and living costs, affecting residential, industrial and commercial sectors. Government commitments to infrastructure drove demand. Despite cost surges, solid demand allowed passing expenses to…

Munich and Frankfurt am Main stand out as Germany's most economically dynamic cities, while Mannheim exhibits the greatest promise for future economic expansion. Nonetheless, cities in Germany will confront persistent challenges. In the short term,…