New Store Specializes in Icelandic Delicatessen

A new store, Gott og blessað, specializing in food produced in Iceland has opened in Hafnarfjörður, south of Reykjavík.

The three women who own the store - Anna Júlíusdóttir, Jóhanna Björnsdóttir and Sveinbjörg Jónsdóttir - spoke with Morgunblaðið journalist Kristín Heiða Kristinsdóttir. They describe the store as a sort of “farmers’ market, the goal of which is to introduce and sell the products of small producers and those engaged in home-based food production, and in selling delicatessen produced by those who use Icelandic ingredients.” They sell the products online as well.

For many years, their dream has been to bring such products under one roof, where they are easily accessible. The reception has been very positive, they state. “It’s very rewarding to see how pleased people are,” they say. “We make it easier for small producers to get their product to the customers, who are unwilling to wait for many days for them to arrive in their home.” Customers who order online have a choice between having the products shipped to their home and picking them up at the warehouse in Hafnarfjörður.

“We ship all over the country,” they explain. “Everyone has been very positive, producers as well as customers.”

The three friends emphasize obtaining food directly from farmers. “Why should we spend foreign currency on importing food we can produce ourselves,” they ask. “Why pollute by shipping the food from abroad if we can produce it ourselves?”

The items they offer include all sorts of cheese, honey, frozen bread, beef, and ready-made soups, just to name a few.

The store is located at Flatahraun 27 in Hafnarfjörður, and its website is gottogblessad.is.