Picadeli Group CEO David von Laskowski Is a Finalist in Sweden's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026

David von Laskowski, Group CEO of Picadeli Group, is one of ten finalists in Sweden's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026, news.cision.com announced on October 29, 2026. The award recognizes his leadership in turning Picadeli from a Swedish salad bar concept into what the company calls Europe's leading healthy fast food player.

How Von Laskowski Built Picadeli's Salad Bar Network

Von Laskowski joined Picadeli in 2012, initially as chairman, and has since led its international expansion and technological transformation. The company said major investments in digitalization, AI and automation produced a scalable model for making fresh, healthy food more accessible and affordable.

The pandemic tested that model. Picadeli lost 93% of its sales within weeks and was forced to close nearly 1,500 salad bars, according to the company. Von Laskowski steered the company through the crisis, accelerated its digital transformation and returned it to international growth.

Picadeli now runs more than 2,500 salad bars across Europe and the US, serving approximately 70 million healthy meals annually. EY Entrepreneur Of The Year judges leaders on four criteria: entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact. Von Laskowski competes in the Stockholm regional final in November, with the chance to advance to the Swedish national final.

Picadeli's Scale Across Europe And The US

Picadeli was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Gothenburg, according to akta.pro company records. The same records list a headcount range of 101-250 and a valuation estimate of $100 million to $250 million. The company's website market listing shows operations across six countries internationally: the US, France, Sweden, Finland, Germany and Belgium.

Picadeli's Expansion Before The EY Shortlist

Picadeli passed 350 salad bars in Finland in September 2026, adding 100 new locations since October 2024, news.cision.com reported. The same month, American City Business Journals reported that Picadeli planned to open its first standalone retail location in Chicago, having previously run US salad bars only in grocery stores and hospitals. In May 2026, Picadeli received the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Business Award for its US expansion, with salad bars then in 27 US states.

What Comes Next For The EY Finalist

The Stockholm regional final takes place in November, and the winner can advance to the Swedish national final, the company said. Picadeli's own announcement is available on its website.