Strength
Strategic focus areas
Helsingborg’s strategic sectors are those where the city has clear competitive advantages today and strong potential for future growth. Together with industry and manufacturing, and the construction and real estate sector, they form the foundation of Helsingborg’s business community.
These sectors bring together established clusters, specialist expertise, startups, scaleups and companies with international reach to drive development forward. Together, they form the backbone of a dynamic environment for innovation and sustainable growth in the region.
Logistics & trade
Helsingborg’s logistics and trade cluster is one of the largest in Sweden, with more than 3,200 logistics companies, wholesalers and third-party logistics providers operating across millions of square metres of space. The city has a strong concentration of expertise in third-party logistics, grocery logistics, fast-moving consumer goods, e-commerce and temperature-controlled transport. Familjen Helsingborg is also home to some of the country’s most advanced and automated warehouse solutions, giving Helsingborg a strong position both nationally and internationally.
Hospitality and tourism
In Helsingborg, hospitality and tourism contribute strongly to turnover, employment and the city’s overall appeal. The sector also plays an important indirect role in the city’s ability to attract talent, investment and new residents. In 2025, the number of guest nights exceeded 921,000 – the highest level ever recorded in Helsingborg. Around 80% are domestic visitors, with the remaining 20% international. Since 2010, guest nights have increased by 66%.
Tech is one of Helsingborg’s most dynamic sectors, with strong growth potential. The city brings together established companies and innovative startups, creating an environment where innovation moves quickly. Since 2010, the sector has grown significantly, with turnover up 275% (SEK 3.3 billion) and employment up 191%. These figures compare well nationally and point to strong export potential.
Food and agriculture
Around 30% of everything consumed in Sweden originates in Skåne, which is also home to some of the world’s most productive agricultural land. Structural change – towards more efficient and knowledge-intensive production – is moving faster here than in the rest of the country. Larger land areas and increased use of technology support high productivity, while livestock farming is becoming more specialised. Agriculture also plays an important role in the climate transition.
Emerging growth clusters
Beyond the city’s established strengths, opportunities are emerging in sectors where Helsingborg is taking new positions in both national and international markets. These areas are defined by strong innovation, new business models that respond to global needs, and high future potential.
Civil defence and preparedness
Civil defence and preparedness are emerging as a strategic growth area across Europe. A changing security landscape is increasing demand for robust supply chains, secure access to critical resources and resilient systems. This is driving demand for solutions that combine security, operational reliability and commercial scalability. For companies and investors, this is not about crisis response – it’s about securing long-term markets for stability, continuity and resilience. Helsingborg is well placed to play a leading role in this development.
Life sciences is one of Helsingborg’s most internationally competitive growth areas. The city’s strength lies in a rare combination of industrial experience, clinically relevant research and direct access to global markets. Established companies in pharmaceuticals, medical technology and diagnostics sit alongside new ventures across healthcare, technology and production.
