The employment in the prepared meals sector in Sweden has shown a substantial increase since 2013, spiking particularly in 2016 with a significant year-on-year growth of 112.24%. Following this exceptional rise, the sector experienced consistent growth, albeit at a more moderate pace, with year-on-year variations fluctuating between 0.45% and 7.07% from 2017 to 2023.
By 2023, employment stood at 3.87 thousand full-time equivalents, reflecting a 3.65% increase from the previous year. Over the last two years (2022-2023), the sector registered an average annual growth (CAGR) of 4.35%. Overall, the last decade highlights a positive trend, with a notable shift in growth pace post-2016 resulting in a strong upward trajectory.
Looking ahead, the five-year forecast (2024-2028) projects employment will continue its ascent, reaching 4.52 thousand by 2028. The forecasted CAGR for this period is 2.47%, indicating a steady yet more tempered growth compared to previous years.
Future trends to watch for:
- Technological advancements in food production and automation impacting labor needs.
- Shifts in consumer preferences towards healthier and convenience-based meal options driving sector demand.
- Potential regulatory changes affecting the food industry workforce.
