Senior Advisor Matz Engman and Inward Investment Manager Sara Grundström of Invest in Norrbotten share that with the vast land, stable climate, abundant green energy, and strong public-private collaboration, Northern Sweden is emerging as a top expansion market for sustainable food production. The company actively champions opportunities for greenhouse and vertical farming investors from across Europe.
Ahead of the upcoming "Building Tomorrow – Swedish Foodtech Opportunities" event on 7 October at the World Horti Center in the Netherlands, they elaborate on why Sweden's far north might be the next hub for sustainable food production.
A unique business case: Green energy and low costs
"Norrbotten offers a business case that's hard to ignore," Sara says. "We're talking about access to 100% renewable energy, primarily hydropower, and some of Europe's lowest electricity prices. This makes it incredibly attractive for energy-intensive industries like greenhouses and vertical farming."
The region's energy advantage is further strengthened by Sweden's zoning system, which places Norrbotten in the country's cheapest electricity zone. According to Matz, this was one of the key reasons why tech giants like Facebook located data centres there, and now, food producers are taking notice too.
"But it's not just about cheap power," he adds, "It's about how you use it. We're promoting industrial symbiosis—using waste heat from steel plants, data centres, and fertiliser production to heat greenhouses at a fraction of the cost."
A stable climate amid global uncertainty
With increasing volatility in weather patterns across Europe, Norrbotten offers a more reliable environment for food production.
"We hear growers across Europe talk about droughts, floods, and unstable growing seasons," Sara mentions. "In Northern Sweden, we have a stable climate and abundant clean water, both surface and groundwater. It's the ideal backdrop for expanding greenhouse production."
This stability is not just ecological but also geopolitical. "In a world with energy crises, war, and political uncertainty, we offer predictability," Matz adds.
A market ripe for growth
Sweden currently imports between 80–90% of its vegetables which is an astonishing figure that shows the country's vulnerability and the size of its untapped market.
"In 2022 alone, Sweden imported tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers worth over €250 million, mostly from Spain and the Netherlands," he says. "That's a massive opportunity for new producers."
"It's not about moving operations from the Netherlands," Sara stresses. "It's about expansion. When companies are looking to grow into new markets, Sweden should be on the list."
Land, logistics, and local support
One of Norrbotten's greatest advantages is the availability of prepared industrial sites near green transition industries like steel and fertiliser production.
"Several municipalities have already zoned land for greenhouse development," Matz says. "We have sites next to major industrial hubs like the new green steel plant near Luleå, where waste heat could be a game-changer."
The region also boasts a strong logistics network, with ports, rail, highways, and even Sweden's longest runway in Luleå.
Bring your expertise
While the business case is strong, Sara emphasizes that success will depend on having the right team.
"Growing food is still a trade," she notes. "Investors need to ensure they have trained growers on board when investing in these greenhouse and vertical farming projects."
However, Norrbotten also offers strong support for research and education. "We have technical universities, an agricultural university, and active R&D within the food sector," Matz says. "We work in a triple-helix model, industry, academia, and public institutions collaborating to drive innovation."
Spotlight on October: The"Building Tomorrow" event
All these opportunities will be on full display at the upcoming Building Tomorrow – Swedish Foodtech Opportunities event on 7 October at the World Horti Center in the Netherlands.
"This event is about more than just Norrbotten," Sara notes. "It's about presenting a full picture of Swedish opportunities for sustainable food production."
Hosted in partnership with Business Sweden, the event will bring together investors, regional partners, technology providers, and growers looking to explore what Sweden, and especially its green north, has to offer.
"We're excited to connect with growers who see the potential of expanding into a stable, cost-effective, and green region," Matz concludes. "It's time to rethink where and how we grow our food. Northern Sweden is ready."
© Invest In Norrbotten
For more information:
Invest in Norrbotten
Sara Grundström, Inward Investment Manager
070-561 69 98
[email protected]
www.investinnorrbotten.se
