Ethnic Grocery Stores in Karmøy: A Detailed Industry Analysis

This article provides a detailed analysis of the ethnic grocery store industry in Karmøy, focusing on companies, economic trends, and opportunities for entrepreneurs. The data shows a slowly growing sector with two registered companies, but with variations in operating results and employment over time. Karmøy, located in Rogaland, has a unique geographic location that can influence the market for specialized stores.

Over time, the ethnic grocery store industry in Karmøy has shown variations in both sales and number of employees. According to 2025 data, sales growth between 2023–2025 increased from NOK 4.1M to NOK 5.0M (+6.9%). The number of employees has been more unstable, decreasing from 14 in 2025 to 12 in 2026. The EBITDA margin stands at 4%, indicating a relatively good operational economy for the operating companies.

There are two registered companies in the industry in Karmøy:

1. Amundsen Spesial Oasen As (Austbøvegen 16, Karmsund)

• Organizational Form: AS
• Founded: 2011-03-02
• Number of Employees: 12
• Operating Income: NOK 5.0M
• EBITDA: NOK 230.0K
• Total Debt: NOK 970.0K

1. May Svanhild Minde (Mykjåvegen 76, Røyksund)

• Organizational Form: ENK
• Founded: 1998-09-18
• Number of Employees: 0
• Operating Income: NOK 0
• EBITDA: NOK 0

There are no bankruptcy registrations for these companies, but there is a clear difference in operational activity between the two.

Geographically distributed data shows that activity in the industry is concentrated in two areas:

• Karmsund: 1 company, 12 employees, sales of NOK 5.0M
• Røyksund: 1 company, 0 employees, sales of NOK 0

No activity is registered in other parts of Karmøy. Karmsund is therefore the most important area for the industry, with a company operating with significant operating results.

The operational dynamics of the industry show variations over time, but no bankruptcy registrations. One company (Amundsen Spesial Oasen As) has shown stable operations with positive EBITDA, while the other company (May Svanhild Minde) has been inactive with 0 employees and 0 sales. The number of employees has been unstable, decreasing from 20 in 2018 to 11 in 2024 before increasing to 14 in 2025.

For entrepreneurs in Karmøy, the industry can offer opportunities, especially in Karmsund where there is already an operating company with positive operational economy. Sales growth in 2023–2025 and a stable EBITDA margin (4%) suggest that there is a market for specialized grocery stores. However, it is important to be aware of the operational risks associated with employee fluctuations and sales volatility.

Compared to the broader services sector in Karmøy (which includes 76 companies), the ethnic grocery store industry is smaller but has better operational economy. The services sector had total sales of NOK 1,086.7M in 2025, but with a lower EBITDA margin. Peer companies such as Extra Kopervik and Meny Oasen Haugesund have higher sales (up to NOK 101.7M and NOK 74.9M) but operate in different sub-sectors (supermarket chains).

The ethnic grocery store industry in Karmøy shows potential for growth, especially in Karmsund where there is an operating company with good operational economy. Entrepreneurs should, however, be aware of the operational risks associated with employee and sales fluctuations. Karmøy's location in Rogaland and access to both local and international customers can be an advantage for a new player in the sector.