Small ethnic grocery stores are becoming more common in Finland
The Finnish grocery trade is traditionally dominated by large players such as Kesko, S-Group, and Lidl. Together, these three chains account for approximately 92 percent of the country's entire food market. Despite this, small, ethnic grocery stores have been growing in popularity and visibility, especially in large cities.
The number of ethnic grocery stores has been on the rise recently, and they are increasingly visible in the Helsinki streetscape. These shops offer products that are often difficult to find in standard Finnish supermarkets. The selection includes, among other things, fresh spices, exotic fruits and vegetables, and a diverse range of ingredients from all over the world.
Many consumers appreciate the variety offered by these shops and the opportunity to try new flavors in their own kitchens. Ethnic stores do not compete with the large chains on price or an extensive store network; instead, they focus on serving customers who are looking for specific international products and authentic flavors.
Although large chains still dominate the market, the growth of small specialty shops reflects the diversification of Finnish food culture. Ethnic grocery stores bring a welcome change to the Finnish retail offering and make cooking even more international.