Methods of distribution in Denmark vary with the type of product.  Capital goods, commodities, and industrial raw materials are most often handled by non-stocking sales agents.  Specialized and high-technology products are frequently sold through fully-owned subsidiaries, of which there are about 400.  These represent a substantial portion of U.S. corporate sales of products and services in Denmark.  Consumer goods are usually sold through importing agents and distributors but are increasingly being imported directly by major retail and department stores.  The non-food retail trade is dominated by chain stores.

The Danish food retail sector is dominated by two large retail chains (COOP and Salling Group), which account for nearly 70 percent of the total food retail market.  These have substantial in-house wholesale and import divisions.  There are about 30 significant independent food product importers in Denmark.

For the latest Investment Climate Statement (ICS) which includes information on investment and business environments in foreign economies pertinent to establishing and operating an office and to hiring employees, visit the U.S. Department of Department of State’s Investment Climate Statements website.