Abstract: An unsustainable food system in Sweden, marked by power imbalances, limited opportunities for smaller producers, and a lack of collaboration, demands solutions. Many workers in the food system operate as smaller producers, while the retail sector is highly concentrated, dominated by a few major retailers. Due to their significant market share, these retailers have the potential to drive production improvements, sustainability, and innovation by actively supporting smaller producers. However, if these issues remain unaddressed, the entire food system risks becoming increasingly vulnerable to future disruptions. This thesis aims to explain the dynamics within the Swedish food value chain, focusing on the collaboration between established retailers and smaller producers. It seeks to understand how this collaboration can be improved by both parties to foster a more sustainable food system. Through qualitative semi-structured interviews employing a dual-perspective approach from both producers and retailers, it sought an understanding of both actors’ perspectives regarding their current experiences and perceptions. Both producers and retailers acknowledge the need for collaboration, but challenges persist, particularly expressed by the producers. The main theory used, The Ladder of Partnership, highlights the necessity for trust, mutual understanding, and investment in collaboration. While some companies are making efforts, more is required for a sustainable food system. Given the retailer’s market influence, they should lead by creating opportunities for smaller producers, making strategic decisions about market inclusion, and excluding less sustainable options. The thesis advocates for accountability and shared responsibility among all actors in the food system to achieve a sustainable future. The study concludes that the Swedish food value chain relies on collaboration among various actors, and without it, the system's functionality would be compromised. / Summary: Walking into a vibrant supermarket opens up a world of diverse choices, showcasing both local and global products and turning grocery shopping into a journey through the interconnected global food system. Each item on the shelf tells a story of its own, a journey from farm to fork. Just as each product on the shelf tells a story, so too does our collective effort to foster a more sustainable future. From supporting smaller producers to advocating for environmental sustainability, every decision we make has an impact, leading to the outcome dependent on our action.  This thesis aims to explain the dynamics within the Swedish food value chain, focusing on the collaboration between established retailers and smaller producers. It seeks to understand how this collaboration could be improved by both retailers and producers regarding the essential support required for fostering a more sustainable food system. Through qualitative semi-structured interviews, this study was focusing on the relationships between producers and retailers, and it sought an understanding of both actors’ perspectives regarding their current experiences and perceptions.  In Sweden, a select few major players are dominating a significant portion of the market share. An unsustainable food system in Sweden, marked by power imbalances, limited opportunities for smaller producers and a lack of collaboration, demands solutions. The entire food system risks becoming increasingly vulnerable to future disruptions if these issues remain unaddressed. The findings reveal a complex network of interconnected factors and actors. Companies operate not only as one actor, but very often as several (e.g. producers, distributor, consumers) influencing the functioning of the entire chain. In essence, the collaboration between retailers and smaller producers in the Swedish food system presents a dynamic interplay of challenges and opportunities. While both parties acknowledge the importance of working together, there are still challenges to overcome, especially from the producers' perspective of working together with retailers.   The main theory used, The Ladder of Partnership, highlights the necessity for trust, mutual understanding, and investment in collaboration. While some companies are making efforts, more is required for a sustainable food system. Given the retailer’s market influence, they should lead by creating opportunities for smaller producers, making strategic decisions about market inclusion, and excluding less sustainable options. The thesis advocates for accountability and shared responsibility among all actors in the food system to achieve a sustainable future. The study concludes that the Swedish food value chain relies on collaboration among various actors, and without it, the system's functionality would be compromised.