In just over a month since it opened, IKEA’s first store in New Zealand has welcomed over 500,000 visitors, and has taken the global first place ranking for meatball sales.
More than 54,000 hot dogs, 28,000 plates of meatballs and 21,000 cinnamon buns have flown out the door. Meanwhile, the retail giant’s acclaimed lingonberry jam was so high, the store temporarily sold out.
IKEA Sylvia Park marketing manager Johanna Cederlöf said New Zealand’s enthusiasm had helped the Sylvia Park store rank number one globally for IKEA food sales during the period.
Cederlöf added that the opening month in New Zealand had delivered an extraordinary response from New Zealanders, with over 28,780 shoppers passing through on its busiest day, and more than 1.9 million people visiting the online store.
Cederlöf said the Auckland store had achieved the highest in‑store digital tool usage per customer of any IKEA worldwide, describing Kiwi shoppers as "really advanced digital people".
IKEA is serving up a menu that blends global favourites with a distinctly local twist. At the Swedish Restaurant, alongside the iconic pavlova, customers can enjoy New Zealand Fish and Chips (NZD 14.00) made with sustainably sourced New Zealand hoki, served with peas, lemon and tartare sauce. Over at the Bistro, a hearty New Zealand Lamb Pie (NZD 6.50), filled with tender New Zealand lamb and vegetables, including kumara, is perfect for a quick bite on the go. These homegrown additions sit alongside Swedish staples and select imported products to create a menu that’s familiar, fun and locally relevant.
Launched just in time for summer, the Lingonberry Pavlova ( NZD 4.00) celebrates the Kiwi tradition is sold only in New Zealand, not Australia. The Lingonberry Pavlova pairs crisp, cloud‑light meringue with soft fresh cream and lingonberry jam, honouring IKEA’s Swedish heritage while creating a distinctly Kiwi moment.
“We conducted 500 home visits across Aotearoa to understand what life at home is like for everyday New Zealanders. During these visits we asked people to name one local dish that represents New Zealand; Fish and Chips and the Pie topped the list, so we knew we had to include them on our menu,” said Daniel Souza, Food Manager, IKEA New Zealand.
“Food is central to the IKEA experience and a huge part of our success in New Zealand. As our founder Ingvar Kamprad said, ‘hungry customers buy less,’ so our food offering is designed to welcome people, extend their visit and make the store a place to gather for a great day out with friends and family. We can’t wait for New Zealanders to get their teeth into the menu, taste our global favourites and try the exclusive Kiwi dishes we have created just for them.”
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