Skånemejerier leads Swedish production in the grilled cheese segment

Skånemejerier has experienced increased sales of Pannoumi® in 2024 and is now the market leader in the Swedish grilled cheese segment.

Just over five years ago, the Cypriot cheese Halloumi was very popular in Sweden. However, concerns arose when tests showed that Cypriot milk could contain high levels of antibiotics. As a result, Swedish dairies began developing alternatives to the imported cheese. Competition among dairies has been intense, but Pannoumi® from Skånemejerier is now driving the trend of Swedish-produced grilled cheese, according to a press release from the company.

In 2024, sales of Pannoumi® in grocery stores increased by 69% compared to 2023. During the same period, the total volume of Swedish grilled cheese grew by 24%, while the segment for imported alternatives declined.

Pannoumi® has also become a popular protein alternative in the foodservice sectors. At Skånemejerier, sales to large-scale consumers, such as hotels, restaurants, and schools, more than doubled in 2024 compared to 2022.

In terms of sales, it’s clear that many people in Sweden are looking for Swedish-produced alternatives in this segment, which is very encouraging. For us, it is important to promote Swedish cheese culture and safeguard the favorable conditions we have for producing cheese that is good for both people and the planet. Sweden has excellent animal welfare standards—we are, for example, the EU country that uses the least antibiotics on livestock, which reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance,” says Stefan Andersson, plant manager at Skånemejerier’s dairy in Kristianstad

According to Stefan Andersson, another reason for the popularity of Pannoumi® is, that it aligns with the growing consumer trend of replacing meat with nutritious, vegetarian alternatives. It makes it easy to swap meat in many favorite dishes.