Sweden
Max Burgers
Known for: High-quality burgers with a focus on sustainability, including a climate-positive menu. Max Burgers offers a variety of options catering to different dietary needs.
Available in: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland
Employees: ~7,400
Gina Tricot
Known for: Women's fashion and accessories
Employees: ~1,900
Availibility: Most of Europe (30+ countries)
https://ginatricot.com
Husqvarna Group
A Swedish manufacturer of forest, park, and garden care tools, known for products like robotic lawnmowers, traditional mowers, chainsaws, and watering equipment (the group also includes the Gardena brand). Husqvarna Group employs approximately 13,800 people in 40 countries, with headquarters in Stockholm and significant production in Europe. It holds a substantial share of the global market for outdoor power products and also produces equipment for light construction (e.g. cutting and diamond tools for the building industry).
Felix
Made in: Sweden (Orkla Foods Sweden)
Sales: Market leader in Sweden, selling several million liters per year.
Key markets: Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Germany.
Description: Slightly less vinegary than Heinz, with a more natural sweetness.
Our verdict: 👍👍 A solid ketchup, close to Heinz - but we didn’t like the red plastic packaging; we want to see the contents. Thanks for the delivery, Ulrika!
Volvo Cars (Owned by China’s Geely)
Brands: Volvo
European Manufacturing: Belgium, Sweden (some Volvo models).
Battery Sourcing: CATL (China), LG Chem (Poland).
Estimated nr. of European Jobs: ~40,000+ (direct and supply chain).
Privacy Concerns: Moderate to High – Geely ownership raises data security concerns. Geely continues to make profits in Russia.
Danish-Swedish Farmdog
Known For: Small, lively, versatile farm helper
Why They’re a Top Pick: Denmark and Sweden may argue over everything from pastries to pop music—but when it comes to dogs, they nailed it together.
Midsummer AB
Known for: Swedish company developing flexible thin-film solar modules (CIGS). All R&D and production in Sweden. Strong focus on BIPV and rooftop integration.
Employees: ~80-100
Markets: Sweden, Italy, Germany, Norway
Electrolux
Employees: Around 51,000
Known for: Washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners under brands like Electrolux, AEG, Zanussi.
Website: https://www.electroluxgroup.com
Pixlr
Features: Web-based raster editor; works on Linux; AI tools included
Pricing: Free with ads, from $2/month Premium
Our verdict: Very easy to use; great for quick edits; limited for pro workflows
Storytel
Alternative to: Audible
Known for: Storytel is an audiobook and e-book streaming service offering a vast library of titles across various genres. Extensive library with localized content. User-friendly app with offline listening options.
Availability: Over 25 countries, including Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and India.
https://www.storytel.com/
Axel Arigato
Known for: Its minimalist style inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese cultures, the brand offers luxury sneakers, clothing, and accessories at accessible prices. Axel Arigato is a Swedish brand founded in 2014 by Max Svärdh and Albin Johansson.
Employees: ~100
Manufacturing: Designed in Sweden, made in Portugal with Italian leather
https://www.axelarigato.com
Viaplay
Alternative to: Netflix, Apple TV+
Known for: Nordic Noir originals (e.g., Wisting, The Lawyer) and Exclusive sports (Premier League, F1, NHL in some regions).
Availibility: Nordics, Netherlands, UK, Poland, Baltics. Viaplay faced scaling issues and exited some markets recently due to losses.
https://viaplay.com/
Polestar (Owned by China’s Geely)
Brand: Polestar
European Manufacturing: None currently. EU production (Slovakia) planned from 2028.
Battery Sourcing: Mainly CATL and Chinese suppliers via Geely/Volvo.
Estimated nr. of European Jobs: ~2,500 globally; limited current EU employment.
Privacy Concerns: Moderate – GDPR-compliant, but Chinese ownership (Geely/PSD) raises data jurisdiction concerns.
Oriflame
Known for: Direct-sell beauty, wellness, Optimals, Giordani
Employees: ~6,000
Manufactured in: Poland, China, India (sold Russian plant in 2023)
Sustainability: Biodegradable formulas, plastic reduction
Controversies: Still active in Russia, selling online and via third parties