IKEA sold over 25 million freshly baked cinnamon buns in a year

The popularity of the cinnamon bun at IKEA shows that this tradition resonates far beyond Sweden, from Canada to Korea, and from Spain to Australia. On October 4, IKEA customers around the world can join the celebration through special offers – from samplings and discounted buns with coffee to family-friendly activities in selected stores. Each country celebrates in its own way, with different commercial offers. 

The story of the cinnamon bun  

The journey of the cinnamon bun began in early 20th-century Sweden, when bakers started adding cinnamon and cardamom to dough – rare spices at the time that brought warmth and comfort. By 1999, the bun was so beloved that it was given its own day of celebration. 

At IKEA, the cinnamon bun was officially introduced in the early 1960s, alongside the launch of the first restaurant, marking the beginning of the company’s journey into food. Since then, it has become more than just a treat; it’s a beloved staple and a sweet symbol of Swedish hospitality, enjoyed by millions in nearly 400 IKEA stores around the world. 

The spirit of fika: wellbeing, connection, and better work 

At the heart of this is the unique Swedish tradition of fika. The word fika first appeared in 1910 as slang for a short coffee break at work, but the tradition of pausing for coffee and something sweet goes back centuries in Sweden. Fika became a daily tradition not just for refreshment, but for fostering creativity, reducing workplace stress, and even improving safety after factories discovered fewer accidents when breaks were built in. 

“Fika is deeply rooted in both Swedish and IKEA culture and reflects one of the IKEA core values, Togetherness. It means we can share ideas, connect with one another, and strengthen team bonds. Over a cinnamon bun and a cup of coffee or tea, colleagues can slow down, recharge, and truly listen to each other. The tradition of serving our signature buns perfectly aligns with how we want people to feel at IKEA: welcomed, valued, and inspired. On Cinnamon Bun Day, we celebrate a Swedish tradition that remains part of everyday life in many countries, for both our co-workers and customers,” says Alejandra Pinol, Deputy People & Culture Manager, Ingka Group.

Part of IKEA’s Cooking & Eating Year 

IKEA has dedicated this financial year to the Cooking & Eating movement where everything starts in the kitchen. The purpose is to bring people together through shared meals, gatherings, and joyful food experiences. According to the latest IKEA Life at Home Report, 35% of people say that eating together makes them feel they belong, underlining why rituals like fika remain as relevant as ever. 

Cinnamon Bun Day is both a celebration of Swedish tradition and a universal moment of joy – one that continues to connect people across cultures and continents. 

About Ingka Group

With IKEA retail operations in 31 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents about 90% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on www.Ingka.com