Distributing a product

Evolution of the sector

The Danish population has one of the highest income levels in the European Union with a per capita GDP of 30,930 dollars in 2004. The Danish consumer therefore is one of most demanding in Europe.

Retail trade reached EUR 30,6 million in 2004 showing a growth of 6,2% as compared to 2003.

Market shares

Contrary to other European countries, neighborhood stores play an important role in the Danish distribution market. According to the Danish office of statistics, in 2004 there were 23,573 legal entities registered in the wholesale trade and 26,335 entities in the retail trade.

The mass-market sector is dominated by two groups:

- the consumer co-op F.D.B, which is the leading Danish distributor (with 33% of the market-share in 2003) and owner of many stores like Kvickly, Brugsen, OBS, Irma and Fakta. F.D.B supplies 1,200 points-of-sale (hypermarkets, supermarkets, mini-markets and discount stores).

- the group Dansk super-marked with 465 points-of-sale; its main stores being Bilka and Netto

The 3 large chain stores in Denmark are:

- Magasin du Nord

- Illum. Although competitors to one another, Illum and Magasin du Nord belong to the same group of Icelandic origin known asBaugur Groupe.

- Salling, part of the Dansk Supermarked group.

Shopping centers and malls generated a sales turnover of EUR 5,5 billion in 2003 equal to 20% of the retail trade. The main shopping center is Field's Copenhagen with an area of 115,000 square meters.

The evolution of distribution circuits is characterized by mergers of central buying offices and the creation of new chains allowing their members to supply themselves at lower cost and thus consolidate their positions in the market.

Organizations in the retail sector

Types of outlet

Hypermarkets, supermarkets and mini-markets

Located on the outskirts of towns. They sell foodstuffs and non food products. Mini-markets are smaller and located in town.
Bilka, Dansk Supermarket.

Specialized hypermarkets

Hypermarkets specialized in one family of products.

Department stores

Located in the town center on several floors. They have various specialized departments.
Illum, Magasin du Nord.

Hard discount

Mainly for food. They sell products of the distributor's own brand or no brand at all. People prefer them for their discount prices.
Lidl, Aldi

Small shops

Specialized local shops: grocer's, butcher's, fishmonger's, greengrocer's, cheese shops, delicatessens, baker's, cake shops, florist's. People prefer them for the quality of their products, human contact and advice.

Cash and Carry

Hypermarkets reserved for professionals.
Metro (only in Danish)

Click here to find a trade show.

Organizing goods transport

Main useful means of transport

The largest railway operator in Denmark is Danske Statsbaner (DSB) — Danish State Railways. Arriva operates some routes in Jutland, and several other smaller operators provide local services, mainly outside the Aalborg area.

There is a traditional suburban train network in the greater Copenhagen area. S-trains (in Danish: S-tog ) are electric trains connecting the city center with the suburbs of Copenhagen. The numerous trains leave at 10 or 20 minute intervals. S-trains run from 05:00 hours (weekdays) (06:00 Sundays) until about 0:30 hours.

An automated driverless rail rapid transit system serving Copenhagen and Frederiksberg. The system opened in 2002 and currently has two lines with 22 stations and 21.3 km of track, following the 2007 opening of an extension to Copenhagen Airport .
More information on Transport info website.

Ports

Port of Copenhagen
Port of Arhus
Scandlines

Airports

Copenhagen Airport

Sea transport organizations

Ministry of transport

Air transport organizations

Ministry of transport

Road transport organizations

Ministry of transport

Rail transport organizations

Ministry of transport