Ethnic Food Stores in Kristiansand: A Detailed Analysis of the Industry

Other Observations

• Number of companies: There are 5 companies in the industry in Kristiansand, with a combined sales of 30.3 million NOK and 19 employees.
• Bankrupt companies: One company is registered as bankrupt in the industry, which may affect trust and market dynamics.
• Organizational forms: Most companies are AS entities, indicating a certain level of stability and formal structure.
• Geographic focus: Activity is concentrated in Kristiansand, with a particular significance for the local economy.

Economic Trends

• Sales: Sales have grown strongly from 2019 (32.5 million NOK) to 2023 (60.9 million NOK), but have since fallen to 30.1 million NOK in 2025. This shows a clear fluctuation in the market.
• Employees: The number of employees has increased from 2 in 2016 to 26 in 2024, before being reduced to 17 in 2026. This suggests a short-lived inflated phase after 2020.
• EBITDA margin: The EBITDA margin has varied between -1% and 3%, indicating uncertainty in operating results.
• Gross margin: The gross margin has been stable at approximately 24-42%, suggesting good cost control relative to sales.

Key Players in the Industry

• Vung Tau As: This company is the most active in the industry with 19 employees, 30.3 million NOK in sales, and an EBITDA of 1.0 million NOK. It is registered at Kristian IVs gate 19 in Kristiansand.
• Bayne Isbåt and Det Lille Teselskapet Mari Eriksen: These companies have not yet reported any operating results, which may indicate new or less active businesses.
• Global Matsenter As: This company is registered as bankrupt, with a negative EBITDA of -373,000 NOK and 0 employees. It is located at Barstølveien 35 in Kristiansand.

Geographic Distribution

• Kristiansand: The only activity in the industry is concentrated in Kristiansand, with one company registered in the municipality. This company has 19 employees and sales of 30.3 million NOK.
• Location: No activity is registered in other city districts or municipalities in the Agder region for this industry.
• Market share: The single company in Kristiansand has a market share of approximately 100% in the municipality, indicating a small but concentrated market share.

Operational Dynamics and Bankruptcies

• Bankruptcies: One company is registered as bankrupt in the industry, namely Global Matsenter As. This company had a negative EBITDA of -373,000 NOK and 0 employees, indicating a very poor financial situation.
• Operating results: Most companies have positive operating results, but there is a clear variation in the EBITDA margin from -1% to 3%.
• Employees: The number of employees has varied from 0 to 19, indicating uncertainty in operational activity and possibly dependence on season or market conditions.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

• Market development: Sales have grown strongly from 2019 to 2023, but have since fallen to 30.1 million NOK in 2025. This shows a clear fluctuation in the market, which may affect entrepreneurs' decisions.
• Competitiveness: There is only one company in the industry, indicating a small market share and potential opportunities for new players.
• Operating results: Most companies have positive operating results, but there is a clear variation in the EBITDA margin from -1% to 3%.
• Employees: The number of employees has varied from 0 to 19, indicating uncertainty in operational activity and possibly dependence on season or market conditions.

• Services sector: This sector has 276 companies in Kristiansand, indicating a significantly larger market share compared to the individual industry. This suggests a more stable and diversified economy.
• Sales: Sales in the services sector have grown from 4,110.1 million NOK in 2016 to 5,494.3 million NOK in 2025, showing stable growth over time.
• Employees: The number of employees in the services sector has grown from 2,087 in 2016 to 2,360 in 2026, indicating stable growth in the labor market.
• Peer companies: There are several companies in the services sector that may be relevant for entrepreneurs, such as Obs Sørlandssenteret Avd 400 and Ng Kiwi Agder As Avd 701 Vågsbygd Senter.

• Conclusion: This analysis shows that the industry for ethnic food stores in Kristiansand has a small but concentrated market share. There is only one company in the industry, indicating potential opportunities for new players. This could be a good opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to establish themselves in a small but concentrated market share. However, it is important to be aware of the fluctuating operating results and bankruptcies that may affect market dynamics. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in Kristiansand for this industry.