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Newsroom A big celebration of taste, diversity, and inclusion in Stockholm – The IKEA meatball turns 40
IKEA Retail 18 November 2025

A big celebration of taste, diversity, and inclusion in Stockholm – The IKEA meatball turns 40

On December 9th, IKEA celebrates the 40th anniversary of its iconic meatball by transforming the Stockholm Kungens Kurva store into SMAKFEST, a one-night-only immersive food experience. For the first time in its 80-year history, IKEA turns a store into an artistic food installation that celebrates people, taste, and imagination. The evening’s highlight is the special milestone: the 40th anniversary of the iconic IKEA meatball. Both the classic meatball and the plantball, a favourite vegetarian and vegan-friendly option, will take centre stage.

In Swedish, SMAKFEST means “taste feast.” This pop-up is a journey of food where we invite guests to explore a reimagined Swedish table floor-by-floor. The blending of traditional and global flavours reflect the Swedish community. From scenography and performance art to unexpected flavour pairings, each bite offers a glimpse into the many cultures that shape today’s Swedish home.

To mark the big 4–0 of the dish that became a household name, SMAKFEST dedicates an entire floor to the iconic IKEA meatball in all its variations. Expect a multi-sensory celebration from art and décor to food, all inspired by the humble sphere. With touches of exaggeration and surrealism, it’s a playful tribute to the global phenomenon that started in 1985.

“Today, IKEA is said to be the sixth-biggest food chain in the world. What started as offering customers coffee and biscuits has grown into a natural extension of our brand, a way for people to experience life at home and togetherness. I’m beyond excited that our iconic dish is getting the night of celebration it deserves. I hope it brings joy to people in Stockholm and beyond,” says Belén Frau, Global Communication and Positioning Manager, Ingka Group.

“We’re super happy to host this special experience in Stockholm. At IKEA, we believe that food connects us across generations, cultures and homes. By bringing people together over food, we want to inspire more moments of togetherness and more opportunities to spark conversations,” says Emily Birkin, Country Manager, IKEA Sweden.

Part feast, part art installation, SMAKFEST is where creativity and food culture meet.

For more information, visit IKEA Sweden’s website.

 

About Ingka Group

With IKEA retail operations in 31 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents 88% 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 Ingka.com.

 

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