Imported vegetables dominate in schools, healthcare, and elderly care

Every day, around three million Swedes eat a meal in healthcare, school, or care settings, and in total, food worth SEK 10 billion is purchased each year for public meals. The latest public figures show that in 2023, Sweden's municipalities bought vegetables worth SEK 513 million, making greens one of the most purchased food categories.

Three out of four vegetables served in the public sector are imported, but there is wide variation between municipalities. Vadstena, Karlsborg, and Gagnef lead the country with around 46 percent fresh Swedish vegetables, while Falun and Säter rank worst, with as little as just over six percent Swedish.