The Pub Industry in Karmøy: Current Situation and Future Opportunities

The pub industry in Karmøy is a small but growing sector with a single company in focus: Gutenberg As in Åkrehamn. Over the past few years, the company has shown stable growth in sales and employees, with a significant increase after 2020. At the same time, data shows that the industry has good financial health, with high margins and low debt levels. This article provides a detailed overview of the industry's economy, businesses, geography, and future opportunities.

Economic Trends

Sales and Employees:

• Sales: From NOK 2.3 million in 2016 to NOK 6.7 million in 2025, with an average annual growth of 14.5% after 2020.
• Employees: Highest number of employees in 2024 (17), with growth from 13 in 2022 to 17 in 2024. A decline in 2025 (11) and an increase to 13 in 2026.

Key Figures for 2025

• Sales: NOK 6.7 million
• Employees: 11
• EBITDA: NOK 556,000
• Debt: NOK 639,000
• Equity: NOK 835,000
• Gross Margin: 77%
• EBITDA Margin: 8%

Comparison with Previous Years

• Sales increased by 17.6% from 2024 to 2025.
• Employees increased by 18.2% from 2025 to 2026.

• Gutenberg As (Austigard 10, Åkrehamn)
• Organizational Form: AS
• Founded: October 29, 1999
• Employees: 14
• Bankrupt: Not bankrupt
• Sales: NOK 6.8 million
• EBITDA: NOK 556,000
• Debt: NOK 639,000
• Equity: NOK 835,000

Organizational Form

• AS: 1 business, 14 employees, NOK 6.8 million in sales and NOK 556,000 in EBITDA.

• Åkrehamn: The only town with activity in the industry.
• Number of businesses: 1
• Employees: 14
• Sales: NOK 6.8 million
• EBITDA: NOK 556,000
• Debt: NOK 639,000
• Equity: NOK 835,000
• Gross Margin: 77%
• EBITDA Margin: 8%

• Bankruptcies: No bankruptcies registered in the pub industry in Karmøy.
• Stability: The only company (Gutenberg As) has shown stable growth in sales and employees since 2020.
• Bankruptcies in the parent industry (bar/club): Two businesses in the parent industry have registered bankruptcies, but none in the pub industry.
• Financial Health: Gutenberg As has high margins (77% gross margin) and a low debt level (NOK 639,000 in debt versus NOK 835,000 in equity).

Future Opportunities for the Pub Industry

• Stable Foundation: Gutenberg As has shown strong sales growth (17.6% from 2024 to 2025) and stable employee numbers (13 in 2026).
• Market Share: Being the only business in the industry opens opportunities for expansion or new entrants.
• Competitiveness: High margins and low debt levels indicate good financial health, which could attract investors.
• Outlook: Increasing sales and stable employee numbers suggest the industry could grow further, especially if new businesses wish to establish themselves in Karmøy.

• Larger Industry: The parent industry (bar/club) has 3 businesses, compared to 1 in the pub industry.
• Sales: From NOK 2.5 million in 2016 to NOK 8.9 million in 2025, with an average annual growth of 12.5%.
• Employees: Highest number of employees in 2023 (31), with growth from 18 in 2016 to 22 in 2026.
• Peer Businesses:
• 13 Humler As (Skudeneshavn): NOK 2.2 million in sales, NOK 15,000 in EBITDA, 9 employees.
• Tidens Minde Bar (Skudeneshavn): NOK 56,000 in sales, NOK -290,000 in EBITDA, 0 employees.
• Contrast: The pub industry has higher margins (77%) than the parent industry (average 65%), but fewer businesses.

The pub industry in Karmøy is a small but growing sector with a single business (Gutenberg As) that has shown stable growth in sales and employees. Economic data shows good financial health, with high margins and low debt levels. Future opportunities include expansion of existing businesses or the establishment of new pubs, especially in light of the increasing sales growth. At the same time, the parent industry (bar/club) shows that there are potential opportunities in a larger industry with more businesses, although competition may be stronger. For entrepreneurs, Karmøy could be an attractive place for the pub industry, with a focus on stability and financial health.