A widespread boycott of major supermarkets has begun in Sweden as consumers protest against soaring food prices. The campaign, which started on March 17, 2025, aims to pressure large retailers like ICA, Coop, and Axfood to reduce their prices. Food prices in Sweden have increased by 22% between January 2022 and January 2024, with a further 3.9% rise from February 2024 to February 2025. The boycott has gained significant traction on social media platforms, with tens of thousands participating. It has also received support from some politicians, although Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, has declined to join. The government has held talks with supermarket executives to address the issue and ensure fair competition in the market. Consumers are struggling to afford basic items, with dairy products experiencing some of the sharpest price hikes. Butter prices have surged by 26% over the past year. The boycott reflects growing frustration among consumers who feel that supermarkets have raised prices beyond justified production costs. Similar boycotts have been observed in Southeast Europe since late January 2025, also in response to rising retail prices.
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