The Italian economic presence in Sweden is characterized by its significant influence and extensive diversification, with investments spanning a range of key sectors. Italian enterprises operating in Sweden primarily concentrate on the distribution of consumer goods and services, thereby contributing substantially to the local economic landscape.
Since the 1980s, Italy has bolstered its economic footprint in Sweden, employing strategies such as acquiring local firms and establishing direct subsidiaries. Prominent players include the Coesia Group, renowned for liquid packaging solutions; Danieli, a specialist in mining and steel mill machinery; FAAC, an expert in automation systems; Lucchini RS, producing railway wheels; the LU-VE Group, focusing on refrigeration systems; MAPE, Metal Work, Biesse, and Brembo active in mechanical engineering; and Prysmian, operating in electrical systems through its subsidiary, Draka Kabel Sverige AB.
Further complementing this presence is a robust network of Italian companies with dedicated sales facilities in Sweden. These enterprises cover various sectors: Hitachi Rail in railway signaling; Brevini, producing gearmotors; Dedalus, specializing in healthcare and diagnostic software; Iveco in automotive industry; Carlo Gavazzi in industrial components and equipment; Datalogic in electronics; and two leaders in eyewear manufacturing, Luxottica and Safilo.
In recent years, Italian investments in Sweden have experienced significant growth encompassing a broader range of industries and attracting new participants. Within the mechanical engineering sector, prominent contributors now include companies such as Camozzi, Pedrazzoli, GMC, Ansaldo STS, Technomagnete, and Zapi Group, demonstrating the diversification and strengthening of Italian economic engagement in the Swedish market. In the ceramics industry, Ricchetti has established a distinct presence, whereas Mapei and Mare have strengthened their activities within the chemical sector. In the food industry, Barilla operates a production facility in Filipstad, while Ferrero in Malmö and Granarolo and Lavazza, with operations initiated in Stockholm in 2018 and 2009 respectively, have continued to grow their market share.
The household appliance and furniture sectors also demonstrate a robust presence of Italian brands such as De’Longhi, Smeg, Faber, Natuzzi, Boffi e DePadova, Bertazzoni, Kartell, and Arper.
Furthermore, “Made in Italy” enjoys widespread success in Sweden’s fashion and design sectors. Among the most iconic names are Max Mara, Gucci, Prada, Diesel, Calzedonia, Save the Duck, Stone Island, La Murrina and Flos.
Italian companies continue to play a significant and dynamic role across multiple industrial sectors in Sweden, underlining the strength and vibrancy of economic relations between Italy and this Nordic country.