This Swedish company is trying to improve mental health issues with CBD

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April 29, 2021

People have been using the products of the cannabis plant for thousands of years, including for the sake of mental health benefits. More recent medical research into the plant has found various uses for Cannabis oil, scientifically known as cannabidiol (CBD). This compound has different properties from the more notorious Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has psychotic effects. Sweden allows the purchase and use of CBD oil that has zero THC content.

CBD is seeing more widespread medical uses in Europe and around the world. Today, CBD is freely available in oils, capsules, extracts, and buds from online shops such as CBD Sverige. Mental health is one of the promising areas for CBD applications in medicine. Mental health experts say CBD has shown varying degrees of success in alleviating different mental health issues.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a widespread mental health in modern life. The COVID-19 pandemic drove up anxiety levels sharply, with many anxiety sufferers saying they were worried about health, finances, job loss, and the welfare of their relatives.

THC has long been used by people who need to ‘calm the nerves,’ but it comes with side effects. CBD oil has the same calming effect minus the psychotic side effects of THC. A study conducted in 2015, whose results were published in the magazine Neurotherapeutics found CBD was effective in treating different types of anxiety. They include general anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Another comparative study showed CBD was as effective as valium but had fewer side effects. The study involved 40 study subjects divided into two. The group put on CBD had reduced anxiety levels but did not suffer side effects such as weight gain, hormone imbalance, and mobility problems.

Major Depression

Mental health experts describe major depression as losing interest and pleasure in usual activities for longer than two weeks. This mental health disorder is very prevalent today because of the generally negative outlook of the economy, health, and issues like climate change.

Antidepressant drugs work to stimulate the production of the hormone serotonin, also known as the ‘happy chemical.’ CBD has antidepressant properties. But it does not trigger the direct production of serotonin. It works on the brain receptors of this hormone. It binds onto these receptors, simulating the hormone. The effect is a good feeling. It is the same feeling that comes from cuddling with a loved one or eating a good meal.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is commonly associated with military combat veterans. But it can affect anyone who has suffered heavy trauma like a vehicle accident, rape, or a serious injury. People with PTSD experience nightmares, sleeping disorders, and reliving of their experiences.

A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that CBD reduced the frequency of symptoms in people with PTSD. They suffered 28% fewer incidences of nightmares after using CBD for two weeks.

Sleeping Disorders

Sleeping disorders affect a significant number of adults. They contribute to more complications, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and depression. A study on the use of CBD by people suffering from CBD showed that 65% of patients had better sleep patterns.

How Safe is CBD?

Sweden has legalized CBD oil extracted from the hemp plant and contains no amount of THC. Vendors must also obtain a license showing their CBD oil is safe and legal. Cannabinoid products are available as CBD oils, CBD tinctures, CBD capsules, and topical lotions.

Scientists believe they have only scratched the surface in CBD possibilities. This natural product holds huge promise in mental health and the larger medical field.

Scandinavia Off The Beaten Path

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Swedes in the States

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April 26, 2021

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Scandinavia attracts thousands of tourists every year. Incredible nature, fascinating culture, one-of-a-kind historical heritage are just a few reasons why this region is so popular among travel enthusiasts. But most globetrotters tend to choose the same in-the-public-eye spots for their vacation.

Of course, the blossoming cherry trees at Kungsträdgården or Flåm line railway and Frogner Park are must-see sights and part of pretty much all popular tours to Scandinavia. But this also means that all major cities of the region are packed with visitors and can be very crowded during the tourist season. So, where to go if you would like to get an authentic experience and avoid throngs at the same time? We checked in with travel experts Firebird Tours, who pride themselves on offering award-winning Scandinavia tours and know quite a bit about traveling in the Nordics.

Here are a few of their favorite recommendations:

Sigtuna, Sweden

Have you ever heard about the charming Swedish city of Sigtuna? Located just 48 km (about 30 mi) from Stockholm, somehow it often goes unnoticed, and it’s time to fix this injustice! Lovely Sigtuna prides itself on being both: the first capital of the country and the oldest city in Sweden! This destination will be especially interesting for history lovers, as the town’s architecture is splendid and even some medieval churches and castles were preserved and are open for visitors.

The center of the township boasts an impressive medieval style, as well as an abundance of small local shops and cozy cafes, perfect for a nice evening out with your loved ones. Small size and a general atmosphere of serenity make Sigtuna a great place to have a break from the cities bursting with life before moving on to explore the most visited Scandinavian sights.

Aurland, Norway

If you researched the topic of Scandinavia travel, you’ve definitely read a ton of praise to the town of Flam for its outstanding natural beauty. And to be fair, all the praises are true. But it might be challenging to enjoy the best the city has to offer when it’s constantly overbooked. Why not visit scenic Aurland instead?

Boasting a marvelous location at the end of the world-famous Aurlandsfjord (the deepest in the world), this amazing place is surrounded by majestic cliffs and head-spinning waterfalls. How can anyone not fall in love with that? And if you are ready for a real treat, make sure to go on a hike in the Aurland Valley, one of the most beautiful areas in Scandinavia.

Undredal, Norway

If someone asks you to name one thing Norway is not short of, you can safely answer “scenic fishing villages”, and no one will be able to argue that. And all of them are equally lovely and totally unique at the same time. And if you are looking for a place to escape the craziness of life in a big city for a bit, consider going to wondrous Underdal.

Like many fishing villages in Norway, it is set on the edge of the fjord, so you can already imagine what stunning views await you there. Plus, until the very end of the 20th century, the only way to reach the town was by boat, which helped to preserve its authenticity and charm. But there is even more to it, as Underdal is famous for its remarkable brown cheese, one of the best things you can try in Scandinavia. There is even a brown cheese ice cream available!

This Volvo exhibition at Fotografiska New York gives car crash survivors a platform to share their stories

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Swedes in the States

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April 21, 2021

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Volvo is famously known to have been the company behind the three-point seatbelt – an invention that revolutionized the industry and is estimated to have saved millions of lives worldwide.

Volvo Cars USA has partnered up with photographer Martin Schoeller, to put together a heartfelt exhibition at the Swedish photography museum, Fotografiska, in New York City called, A Million More.

The German, New York-based photographer Martin Schoeller is best known for his portraits shot in a “hyper-detailed close up”, and have photographed people from celebrities to presidents to exonerated death row inmates.

True to the typical style of Martin Schoeller, the exhibit captures survivors of major car crashes close up. While viewing portraits of the survivors, visitors will also hear them tell the story of their traumatic event, and how wearing a seatbelt saved their life.

On their website, Volvo Cars USA writes: “Visitors to A Million More are greeted by a glass-enclosed display of an original Volvo three-point safety belt from 1966, along with its origin story and how its development led to saving more than a million lives. Inside, powerful portraits carefully placed at safe distances around the room allow for contemplation while recorded voices of survivors telling their stories play in the background. A glass etching of the written patent reflects how Volvo put life over profit.“

The three-point seatbelt was invented by Nils Bohlin, who was hired after the CEO of Volvo lost a relative in a fatal car crash. As Volvo was looking to increase safety measures, Nils Bohlin was inspired by his previous work with fighter jets and the four-point seatbelt.

When realizing how much more efficient the three-point seatbelt was comparing to the seatbelt that was used at the time, Volvo decided to not patent the technology and release it in order for other car companies to implement the technology. Therefore, choosing to save lives regardless of which car brand the consumer would choose, instead of making a profit of the invention.

READ: #Swedishmade: The 3-point seat belt

The exhibit will be open till April 25, and can be seen at Fotografiska New York in Manhattan.

Featured image: Volvo Cars USA

#Swedishmade: The 3-point seat belt

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Natalie Söderberg

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April 21, 2021

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In #Swedishmade, we introduce famous brands, apps, artists, and companies that are made in Sweden. We’re skipping H&M, IKEA, and ABBA because we know that you already know they’re Swedish treasures – instead we are highlighting equally as awesome people, brands, and companies, that we are guessing you didn’t know were Swedish. Are we right or are we wrong? Don’t forget to vote in the poll below the article!

The most important inventions of all time, we can probably all agree on are the inventions that save lives. The inventions that are responsible for saving thousands or maybe even millions of lives since it was first introduced to the world. Much like the three-point seatbelt.

Did you know that the invention that would come to save an uncountable number of lives was #swedishmade?

In 1958, Nils Bohlin was hired by Volvo to be their first Chief Safety Engineer. Following a fatal car crash of a relative to the CEO of Volvo, they decided to increase their safety measures. Nils had previously worked for SAAB, another Swedish automotive company, designing ejector seats in fighter jets. He had vast experience using the 4-point harness in airplanes but understood that implementing that into cars would be harder, and less efficient for the passengers.

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Up until 1959, the standard seatbelt in cars was the 2-point seatbelt that would cross over the lap, similarly to the seatbelts you find in airplanes today. The lap seatbelts could be found in cars all the way up to the 1980s, usually just in the backseat of the car, while the front seat would have the 3-point seat belt.

After research showed that the two-point seatbelt could lead to paralysis and “seat belt syndrome”, a collective term for all injuries associated with the use of the seat belt, among other things during a car crash, the automotive industry made the 3-point seatbelt available all throughout the car. In 2007, all cars sold in the U.S. were required to have the 3-point seatbelt, strictly referring to the middle back seat, which had for long-only been equipped with a lap belt.

The 3-point seat belt is a combination of the lap belt and a so-called sash belt, a strap that goes diagonally across the shoulder. During a collision, the 3-point seatbelt spreads the energy of the impact over the shoulder, chest, and pelvis making lesser harm to one specific area.

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The first 3-point seatbelt was introduced in the model Volvo PV 544 but was first offered as a standard feature in the Volvo 122 model in 1959.

Volvo has always been famous for being at the forefront of automotive safety. But after inventing the 3-point seatbelt and realizing how many lives their new invention could save, Volvo decided to put the safety of human lives before their own profit (it would have been huge) and gave up the patent so that the invention could be open to the world, and other car manufacturers.

Today, Volvo estimates that the 3-point seatbelt has saved more than a million people worldwide and estimates that between 11.000 – 14.000 lives are saved each year in the United States alone.

Nils Bohlin continued to work with safety improvements at Volvo until he retired in 1985. He received a gold medal from the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Science and was also inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame. He died in 2002, leaving after him a legacy that was far more important than anything else. Saving lives.

Did you know?:

A case against Ford Motors resulted in a $45 million jury verdict for not having the 3-point seatbelt in a car, resulting in “seat belt syndrome” for one of their customers.
It’s estimated that the 3-point seatbelt saves about 11.000-14.000 lives yearly in the United States alone. (Alprazolam)
According to Nils Bohlin’s stepson, the family still receives a lot of letters thanking Nils for his invention, or for saving their life or the life of a loved one.
Outside of Scandinavia, several countries, especially the United States were reluctant to wear or incorporate the 3-point belt due to inefficiency and “being uncomfortable”. Cadillac, for example, didn’t use the 3-point seatbelt as a standard feature until 1974.
Wearing a 3-point seatbelt reduces the chance of death or injury, in case of a collision, by at least 50%.
In 1944 Volvo came up with the slogan ” we did not invent the car, but we set the safety standards” which became the cornerstone of the company’s corporate philosophy.

This article was originally published on November 13, 2017

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Meet Valerie Wigardt: Marketing Director at Candy People – the largest distributor of Swedish candy in the United States

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Swedes in the States

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April 20, 2021

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Valerie Wigardt is the yoga-loving health nut in charge of marketing for the largest Swedish candy distributor in the United States – Candy People USA. This isn’t Valerie’s first rodeo in the United States. 10 years ago, she worked for the Swedish liquor company, Absolut Vodka, based in Miami at the time. Today, Valerie is based in Los Angeles, and she is ready to show Americans just why Swedes are famous for their candy.

Candy People is one of the largest Swedish candy suppliers in the USA. Give us some backstory to how the company was founded, and how you managed to grow into the company it is today?

Candy People is a family-owned company that grew out of a small candy store in Malmö in 1982. Today, Candy People is sold in more than 40 countries, with customers ranging from big-box retailers to individually-owned candy stores. The worldwide headquarters of Candy People is in Malmö, Sweden. The North American office is based in Dallas and serves resellers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Additional Candy People offices are located in Ottawa, Stockholm, Dubai, Shanghai, Singapore, Trondheim, and Perth.

Our current CEO, Jacob, is the son of founder Joanis. But even though Jacob runs the show today, Joanis still comes into the Malmö office almost every day. I really love working for a family company and see how the whole family is so passionate and involved in the business. The company is also fast-moving and we have the freedom to be creative and inventive.

You can find the whole history here: https://www.candypeople.us/pages/our-history

Tell us about your journey from your hometown Stockholm to Los Angeles?

I was in Los Angeles for a few months with my last job which is how I met Jacob, our CEO. We started talking about the potential the company had here in the U.S. We had big dreams and started working with the visa process back home in Sweden. It took a while to get the papers and visa together and I moved over at the beginning of 2020.

Which is your bestselling candy in the United States?

All of our sour candy doing very well here. I would say our Sour Vikings is our most popular from our Scandinavian bag line. From our pick and mix, it’s Raspberry Puckers. Salty licorice is a tricky one in the U.S. Americans literally hate it, but most Scandinavians here crave it. Overall the taste in candy is very different over here compared to Sweden. So it’s a lot to take into consideration when launching a new product.

Name some of the retailers’ Candy People supply candy to?

We have tons of smaller Mom-and-Pops stores around the country and passionated small Scandinavian store and business owners as customers all around the country. Many have been customers since the start and we really cherish every single one of them. Our bigger ones are IKEA, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, World Market, William Sonoma, Sugarfina, Dylans Candy bar, BonBon, Sockerbit, Huset. Some of these are under private labels.

How do Americans feel about Swedish candy?

They love it! So amazed about all the positive feedback over here.

How does it differ from traditional candy that can be found in the United States?

The big difference is that we use much less artificial ingredients and mostly natural flavors. Swedes eat the most candy per capita, so I would say that really makes us candy specialists. We take a lot of pride in our candy, and soon we will be launching a new product line which is both Vegan and Organic. I’m very much a healthy person so working on new products that are “better for you” candy is important for me.

How do you feel about being based in Los Angeles? What does your day-to-day look like?

Every day is an adventure and I love waking up to the sunshine. You get the feeling that everything is possible. I usually work from home in the AM, keeping up with Sweden, and our office in Dallas. During the afternoon, I focus more on local meetings. I’m also a yoga instructor so I practice a lot of yoga and try to keep healthy. I also try watching the sunset on the beach as much as possible.

How have you had to adapt to working during these hard times?

This year has been challenging for sure. There’s been a lot of remote working due to covid and very few live meetings. We lost a few big customers but also gained some. We set up our e-commerce right when it all started which has been doing very well. This would probably not have happened otherwise and I’m proud of what we accomplished during these tough times. There have been fewer events to sponsor but we’ve been finding other ways to market our candy, like sending quarantine candy kits to influencers and focusing more on holidays.

What are your absolute favorite spots in Sweden and California?

I love nature and the countryside. In Stockholm, I would say the archipelago is my favorite, and here in California, it’s Malibu and Ojai.

Follow Candy People on Instagram to keep up with candy news: @candypeopleusa
Follow Valerie Wigardt here: @valeriewigardt

This article was originally published on November 11, 2020

Greta Thunberg to donate 100,000 euros to ensure equal vaccine distribution

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Swedes in the States

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April 19, 2021

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Swedish activist, Greta Thunberg, announced on Instagram earlier today that her foundation will be donating 100,000 euros to COVAX, a vaccine program with a mission to ensure equal access to vaccines across the globe.

In her Instagram post, Greta Thunberg writes:

“About 1 in 4 people in high-income countries have received a COVID-19 vaccine, compared with just 1 in more than 500 in low-income countries.
My foundation will donate €100000 to support COVAX to ensure a more equitable global COVID-19 vaccine distribution. #VaccineEquity #OneWorldProtected“

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Greta Thunberg (@gretathunberg)

The COVAX program was founded by WHO, World Health Organization, and Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), with a mission to ensure equal testing and vaccine distribution in low-income countries where governments aren’t been able to afford the same roll-out procedures as other countries.

Together with WHO, Greta will also be launching a project to help young people prevent the spread of Covid-19 as well as rebuild in the aftermath of the pandemic. Starting today, youngsters all over the world will be able to apply for grants to kickstart local projects aiming to combat the pandemic.

Will the United States open up to Scandinavian travelers in May?

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Swedes in the States

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April 14, 2021

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It was devastating news to many when the United States decided to close its borders to international travelers who were not residents, citizens, or green-card holders due to the global pandemic. Following suit were many other countries, including the UK, who, to contain the virus, decided to bar all unnecessary travel.

While vaccine rollouts in the United States have delivered over expectation time-wise and domestic travel restrictions have been lifted, many are wondering when restrictions against international travelers will be eased.

When President Joe Biden took office earlier this year, he promised to amp vaccination efforts to have all adults in the United States eligible for a vaccine by the end of May, with the deadline recently changed to April 19. At a press conference, President Biden said: “By the end of May, the vast majority of adult Americans will have gotten at least their first shot.”

With 28.9% of the U.S. population already vaccinated, there are hopes that restrictions, currently barring international travelers to enter the country, could be lifted as soon as mid-May for those who are vaccinated.

While large parts of Europe have been significantly slower in rolling out vaccines, Norway and Denmark seem to be on a good path ahead, while Sweden has the slowest vaccine rollout in Scandinavia.

According to Reuters, Norway has currently vaccinated about 11% of its population while Denmark has managed to vaccinate 11.5% of the population. Sweden, who famously decided against a lockdown and is currently seeing another spike in infections has vaccinated 9.4% of the country’s population.

Despite the United States lifting restrictions on domestic travel, it also has an interest in opening up its borders for tourism and business purposes. While the focus currently seems to be on strengthening the economy by bringing society back to a new normal, there is no doubt that international travel can give the U.S. economy a much-needed boost.

“Many millions of Americans depend on tourism and hospitality jobs but the strength of the domestic tourism market in the USA insulated many of these jobs to some extent from the border restrictions and closures”, Tony Johnston, head of the department of hospitality, tourism and leisure studies at Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland said to CNN Travel.

He continues: “While the domestic tourism market dwarfs the international inbound market in the USA, there will be strong political and industry pressure to reopen borders to welcome back international visitors.”

Another good sign for Scandinavian travelers is the re-opening and acceleration of popular travel routes by Scandinavian Airlines such as Copenhagen – Los Angeles and New York.

READ: SAS to open up route between CPH- LAX again

4 Scandinavian cake recipes you will love

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Swedes in the States

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April 12, 2021

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Say what you will about Scandinavian cuisine. Fermented herring isn’t for everyone but if there is something we do really well, it’s desserts.

We decided to round up some of our favorite cake recipes for you to enjoy.

1. Princess cake

The Swedish princess cake is a must on every Swede’s birthday. If you didn’t get one, the birthday basically didn’t count. It’s no wonder this marzipan dream has almost become a national cake in Sweden.

Recipe: Pink Princess Rulltårta

2. Kvæfjordkake

The worlds best cake according to the Norwegians. Try this recipe out and see for yourself.

Recipe: World’s Best Cake – Kvæfjordkake

3. Kladdkaka

This is a gooey, sticky version of molten lava cake. Serve with whipped cream and raspberries and you will be forever hooked on this heaven sent cake.

RECIPE: Swedish Kladdkaka

4. Strawberry Cake

Bulle Bakery usually creates artisan Swedish cinnamon buns for the lucky residents of Los Angeles but being friends and all, they decided to share their Strawberry Cake recipe with us, and it is divine.

[Recipe] Bulle Bakery’s Swedish Strawberry Cake

These Nordic Countries Consume The Most Coffee In The World & Why Sweden Decided To Ban It

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Swedes in the States

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April 11, 2021

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and-cinnamon-bun — source: https://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2017/10/03/fika-swedish-coffee-break-we-can-all-embrace

Surprisingly, or not, the Nordic countries are the top coffee consumers in the world. Finland graces the top of the list by consuming close to 13 kg of coffee annually, per capita. The Swedes follow close behind with the average Swede consuming 11 kg per year. Comparing to our fellow Americans, who consume about 5 kgs of coffee annually per capita, it is safe to say that the Nordics are quite hooked on caffeine.

Top Coffee Consuming Nations in the world

1. Finland
2. Sweden
3. Iceland
4. Norway
5. Denmark
6. Austria
7. Switzerland
8. Greece
9. Bosnia-Herzegovina
10. Germany

Source: International Coffee Organization

Coffee was first introduced to Scandinavia during the 1600s but didn’t gain popularity in Sweden until the 1700s. However, once the spark had been ignited, the Swede’s love for coffee knew no limits. In fact, coffee became so popular that the Swedish government grew increasingly worried about the high import volume, and ultimately, Swedish money ending up in foreign countries.

To solve the problem, the Swedish government decided that it would be a good idea to simply forbid the Swedes from drinking coffee. In 1756 the ban was made effective, and anyone who was caught drinking coffee could expect a hefty fine.

The ban was later on overturned and re-instated another three times until the government legalized coffee for good in 1823.

Could that be why the Swedes are such big coffee drinkers? We never know when the next ban might around the corner.

This article was originally published on September 29, 2019

Saga Pastry + Sandwich: Nevada’s most valuable Scandinavian treasure

By

Natalie Söderberg

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April 9, 2021

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This article is made possible thanks to the valuable support of Glenn and Deborah van Helén at Hygiene of Sweden. This article was originally published October, 2020.

If you are a fan of the Scandinavian cuisine, chances are you haven’t missed the appetizing pictures of waffles and sandwiches from Saga Pastry + Sandwich on Instagram. The small restaurant opened in Henderson, Nevada two years ago, and is the heart project of Norwegian chef, Gert Kvalsund.

I was passing by Las Vegas on a personal trip to get away from the unhealthy air from the fires raging in SoCal and decided to pop by Saga Pastry + Sandwich after months of curiosity stemming from the social media buzz around this place.

Saga Pastry + Sandwich has quite the unassuming front, in no way would you think that some of the best Skagen toast or shrimp sandwiches could be found here – a true hidden gem.

I walk in and introduce myself to Gert, who is standing behind the bar preparing a sandwich for a customer. The space is designed in a typical Scandinavian minimalistic way, with all the well-known Scandinavian expressions like Hygge, Fika, Lagom, and Koselig printed on the walls.

As a Swede, my first instinct was to order every single item on the menu but for the sake of Swedes in the States budget, I asked him for his recommendations. He suggested I order the Shrimp sandwich, which I gladly did, but with the extensive menu staring back at me, I just couldn’t stop at that. So, I went ahead and ordered the Skagen toast, Nordic waffle, semla, and lingonberry drink as well.

Two bites into my toast Skagen, there was no doubt in my mind that Gert was a trained chef. I guessed it before he even had the opportunity to tell me. I was equally ecstatic over the shrimp sandwich. It is without the slightest overreaction that I say that this is the best Swedish shrimp sandwich, räkmacka, and Skagen toast I have had in a long time.

I am not the only one who has been absolutely swept away by the food here. Saga Pastry + Sandwich has been recognized by Las Vegas Weekly Magazine as the 2019 Best New Restaurant in Vegas and Best of Vegas “best intro to Scandinavia“, voted The Best Waffles in Las Vegas by the readers of Las Vegas Review-Journal, and even been hailed by the famous food critic, John Curtas.

Gert has added a culinary twist to the waffle and semla, which I, at first, was a bit skeptical of. Instead of using whipped cream, which I believe most Scandinavians would be used to adding in these dishes, Mr. Kvalsund works with a homemade vanilla cream cheese. I even asked for whipped cream on the side, confident that it just wouldn’t taste authentic enough without, but lo and behold, the whipped cream went in the trash can and wasn’t used at all. These flavor bombs tasted exactly like I would have expected them to, but better.

Bloated and delighted, I had a quick chat with Gert who told me about his story in the United States, his journey from Lillehammer in Norway to Las Vegas, and his vision for Saga Pastry + Sandwich. Be on the lookout for the interview, this guy has a story to tell.

I left with a bag of Saga Pastry’s own coffee, which not too surprisingly was just as delicious as everything else I had inhaled at the restaurant.

Gert Kvalsund truly runs a treasure in the heart of Nevada. A restaurant with amazing, clean, and healthy Scandinavian food. I honestly can’t think of a better way to pay tribute to our countries, than sharing our food with our new homeland. But like so many other restaurants, Saga Pastry has been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic. When asking him how he had fared during the quarantine he told me that it was hard: “Saga Pastry + Sandwich might not survive this roadblock.”, he told me.

If you or someone you know run a Nordic restaurant and is struggling from the impact of the pandemic, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Swedes in the States team through our social media or email.