Ikea meatball turns 40 as retailer preps one night only immersive food experience in Sweden store
On 9th December, Ikea celebrates the 40th anniversary of its famous meatball by turning its Stockholm Kungens Kurva store into SMAKFEST, a one night only immersive food experience.
According to a press release: “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 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.” An entire floor of the store will be dedicated to the 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,” the press release notes.
“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 at Ingka Group.
“We’re super happy to host this special experience in Stockholm. 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 at Ikea Sweden.
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Physical stores were a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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