Welcome
The Abstract
Thesis Introduction
The Aim
Background to the Research Topics
The Research Topics
The Targeted Audience
Disposition
Research Approach
The Thesis in Context
Export Guide Construction
Questionnaire Construction
Information Gathering
The Export Guide
Introduction to the Export Guide
Export Guide Overview
Export Readiness
Trade Condition
Foreign Market Analysis
Questionnaire
Research Results
Export Readiness
Trade Condition
Foreign Market Analysis
Discussion
Export Readiness
Trade Condition
Foreign Market Analysis
Conclusion
Export Readiness
Trade Condition
Foreign Market Analysis
The Next Step
Supplements
Introduction to Sunfoods and Konnyaku-Chips
Site Map
The Complete Interview Answers
Glossary
Sources
Foreign Market Analysis
Political-, Economic- and Statistical Data
It is the contention of OECD that Sweden belongs to the countries with the lowest political risk in the world.(www.ntc.no/cgi-bin/wbch.exe?page_id=13738&d_id=9634 2003-03-10) The population of Sweden is said to be approximately 8.89 million and the population of Japan can thereby be claimed to be more than 14 times larger than that of Sweden.(www.your-nation.com 2003-03-12) It is said that the per capita income in Sweden was $25,400 in 2002, which can be compared to the Japanese per capita income for the same year, which was $28,000 according to CIA.(www.cia.gov.publications/factbook/geos/sw.html#.Intro). The number of overweight people in Sweden is increasing dramatically and the number of obese citizens has almost doubled over the last twenty years.(www.fni.se/shop/material_pdf/fetma_inlaga.pdf 2002-02-23) Approximately half of the male population and more than a third of the female population in Sweden are considered to be overweight.(www.fni.se/shop/material_pdf/fetma_inlaga.pdf 2002-02-23) At the same time it is claimed that the sales of health products is increasing in Sweden and that dietary supplements and weight control products are among the health items which sales increased the most in 2002.(http://www2.unt.se/printarticle/0,1239,MC=1-AV_ID=250087-SD_ID=25,00.html 2003-05-05)
Legal Protection
It is claimed that to protect products in Sweden legally the 'Swedish Patent and Registration Office' ('Patent och Registreringsverket') need to be contacted, as the office is said to be responsible for registering trademarks, and protecting inventions and designs in Sweden. The Office argue that to apply for legal protection in Sweden it is necessary to have an agent domiciled in Sweden and the agent need to have a written power of attorney from the company to be able to represent the company .Further information regarding applications procedures and application forms for legal protection can be found on the Swedish Patent and Registration Office's site (www.prv.se). However, application forms are said to be provided in Swedish only.(www.prv.se/eng/guiden/varuguiden/utlanning.html)
Cultural Aspects
The Swedish business culture is believed to differ greatly from the international norm and it is said to be characterized by very small power distance where personal status is of relatively little importance.(www.sverigeturism.se/smorgasbord/smorgasbord/industry/business/culture.html 2003-04-03) Swedish managers are usually considered to be quite willing to take risks, while the opposite is believed to be true for Japanese managers.(www.sverigeturism.se/smorgasbord/smorgasbord/industry/business/culture.html 2003-04-03) A direct approach is said to be seen as a sign of efficiency in Sweden and it is claimed that Swedish business colleagues seldom talk much about themselves or their hobbies when working.(www.sverigeturism.se/smorgasbord/smorgasbord/industry/business/culture.html 2003-04-03) It is maintained that another sign of efficiency in Sweden is punctuality which is said to be considered highly important.(www.sverigeturism.se/smorgasbord/smorgasbord/industry/business/culture.html 2003-04-03) Heated debates are claimed to be quite uncommon and compromising is said to be strongly favored.(www.sverigeturism.se/smorgasbord/smorgasbord/industry/business/culture.html 2003-04-03)
Market Entry, Distribution and Trade Assistance
If a company whishes to import to Sweden indirectly through an intermediate, it may be possible to find a suitable agent through the 'Swedish Association of Agents' ('agenturforetagen').(www.cci.se/exportersguide.htm 2003-02-26) When entering the Swedish market directly the central organization for Sweden's importers, the 'Swedish Federation of Trade' ('Svensk Handel') ([email protected]) may be supportive. To find a suitable partner, intermediate or an appropriate distribution channel the 'Health Food Council' (Halsokostradet) and its subdivisions may also prove useful.(www.halsokostradet.se/Mallar/standardmall.aspx?SidID=10125 2003-03-24) The 'Health Food Council' is a Swedish association, which is said to represent shops, importers, producers and distributors of health food.(www.halsokostradet.se/Mallar/standardmall.aspx?SidID=10125 2003-03-24) The Council claims to conduct quality controls on health food at a low cost and approved products may be found in folders in authorized health food shops in Sweden.(www.halsokostradet.se/Mallar/standardmall.aspx?SidID=10125 2003-03-24) The Council further claims to authorize health stores which have adequately educated personnel and approved products.(www.halsokostradet.se/Mallar/standardmall.aspx?SidID=10125 2003-03-24) The 'Health Food Delivery Organization'(Halsobranschens Leverantorsforening) is said to be a member of the 'Health Food Council'.(www.halsokostradet.se/Mallar/standardmall.aspx?SidID=10125 2003-03-24) The Organization consists of producers and importers of health food and among other functions, they are said to aim for increased international cooperation within the heath food business area.(www.halsokostradet.se/Mallar/standardmall.aspx?SidID=10125 2003-03-24)