Ethnic Grocery Store in Fredrikstad: Current Status and Outlook

Ethnic grocery stores in Fredrikstad form a niche but growing sector, with two registered companies as of 2026. The industry has shown significant employee growth (+450% from 2024 to 2025) but limited sales data, with only one non-zero year (2018: NOK 1.4M). Key locations are Kråkerøy and Fredrikstad, with both companies operating as AS entities. While no bankruptcies have been reported, the sector faces challenges in sustaining revenue growth compared to broader service industry trends.

Sales Development:

• 2018: NOK 1.4 million (only year with active sales)
• 2019–2026: NOK 0 in all years

Employee Development:

• 2016–2024: 0–2 employees
• 2025: 11 employees (+450% from 2024)
• 2026: 11 employees (stabilized)

Reasons for Fluctuation:

• The large increase in 2025 may be due to the registration of Amundsen Spesial Værstetorvet AS (11 employees)
• Lack of continuous sales data indicates potential challenges in operational stability

Registered Companies (2):

1. Amundsen Spesial Værstetorvet AS

• Address: Jens Wilhelmsens gate 7, Kråkerøy
• Founded: 2024-04-15
• Employees: 11
• Organizational form: AS

1. Bakal Daglivare AS

• Address: Nygaardsgata 36, Fredrikstad
• Founded: 2021-06-25
• Employees: 2
• Organizational form: AS

Organizational Form Statistics:

• 100% of companies are AS entities (2 companies)
• No actors in the form of sole proprietorships or other organizational forms

Distribution by Location in the Municipality:

Observations:

• Kråkerøy has the highest number of employees (11) but no sales data
• Fredrikstad has the lowest number of employees (2) but also no sales data
• Both locations have potential for development, especially Kråkerøy with higher workforce

Bankruptcies:

• No bankruptcies registered in the industry (2016–2026)
• Stable operational conditions in the industry

Challenges:

• Lack of continuous sales data (0 in 2019–2026)
• Large fluctuations in the number of employees (0–11 over 10 years)
• No indications of economic instability, but potential challenges in operational stability

Outlook for Founders

Positive Signals:

• Significant increase in the number of employees (+450% from 2024 to 2025)
• Kråkerøy shows potential as a location with 11 employees
• Lack of competitors in the industry (2 companies total)

Challenges:

• Lack of continuous sales data (0 in 2019–2026)
• High dependence on individual companies (Amundsen Spesial Værstetorvet AS accounts for 100% of employees)
• Need for innovation and differentiation in a competitive market

Contrast to the Industry:

• Service Sector has 160 companies (vs. 2 in ethnic grocery store)
• Sales: NOK 21.84 million in 2025 (vs. NOK 0 in ethnic grocery store)
• Employees: 1,277 in 2026 (vs. 11 in ethnic grocery store)

Peer Companies (Top 5 by EBITDA):

Conclusion: Ethnic grocery store is a small, specialized part of the service sector with growth potential, but must compete with large, established actors

Ethnic grocery stores in Fredrikstad show growth potential, especially in Kråkerøy with 11 employees. Although sales data is limited, the industry is stable without bankruptcies. Founders should focus on:

• Differentiation from large competitors in the service sector
• Development of stable sales streams
• Challenges with operational stability and continuous sales

SmartGrunder can help find optimal locations and strategies to leverage market potential.