The Alcohol Industry in Sweden 

Introduction

The history of the alcohol industry in Sweden is characterized by a complex development spanning several centuries. Until the early nineteenth century, the production and sale of spirits were decentralized and often connected to farms and local producers. During the nineteenth century, stricter regulations and state control were introduced in response to social problems related to excessive alcohol consumption. The alcohol monopoly established in 1917 gave state-owned companies the exclusive right to sell strong alcoholic beverages. The purpose was to reduce alcohol consumption and its negative consequences for society.

Alcohol is the most commonly used intoxicating substance in Sweden and other Western countries. More than 75 percent of adults consume alcohol during a 30‑day period. Sweden’s average consumption is lower than the EU average, but alcohol remains associated with significant health and social costs, including approximately 3,000 alcohol-related deaths annually. Alcohol consumption has declined among younger people but increased among older age groups. Alcohol can affect nearly every organ in the body and may cause fetal alcohol syndrome when consumed during pregnancy.

The report highlights concerns regarding alcohol-related harm, including liver disease, cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, violence, accidents, and crime. It also discusses alcohol marketing, particularly marketing aimed at young people, and the role of lobbying by alcohol industry actors.

Alcohol Companies

Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is a French multinational beverage company and one of the world’s largest producers of spirits and wine. The company emphasizes responsible consumption and participates in collaborations with industry associations and commercial partners. The report argues that these partnerships can be understood as part of a broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy intended to promote responsible business practices and sustainability while strengthening the company’s position within the industry.

Carlsberg Sweden
Carlsberg Sweden is one of Sweden’s leading beverage companies and part of the global Carlsberg Group. It produces and distributes beer, cider, soft drinks, and mineral water. The company participates in a range of sustainability initiatives and partnerships, including collaborations with the Red Cross, Returpack, Fossil Free Sweden, and industry climate initiatives. The report notes that these partnerships may also serve lobbying purposes by helping the company influence public debate and policymaking in areas relevant to its business.

Spendrups
Spendrups is a Swedish family-owned brewery founded in 1897. The company operates several production facilities across Sweden and places significant emphasis on sustainability, quality, and responsible consumption. Spendrups supports a range of organizations and initiatives, including Night Walkers in Sweden, the Swedish Sea Rescue Society, research projects, and entrepreneurship programs. According to the report, these activities strengthen the company’s public image and demonstrate its engagement in CSR-related initiatives.

Industry Organizations

The report discusses several organizations representing the alcohol sector, including:
• Swedish Brewers Association (Sveriges Bryggerier)
• SPAA – Swedish Producers of Alcoholic Beverages
• SVL – Swedish Spirits and Wine Suppliers Association
• Svenskt Underhåll

These organizations work to promote the interests of the beverage industry, support controlled alcohol sales, preserve Swedish beverage traditions, and engage in public policy discussions.

Lobbying and CSR Strategies

The report argues that organizations linked to the alcohol industry use sophisticated lobbying strategies, including funding research, participating in public debates, and reframing alcohol-related discussions away from health concerns and toward trade, agriculture, or personal responsibility. Particular attention is given to initiatives such as Wine in Moderation and Beer and Health.

According to the report, a recurring strategy is to downplay or relativize the relationship between alcohol consumption and health risks, while emphasizing other factors. The report also discusses marketing campaigns that associate alcohol consumption with empowerment, independence, and social success.

Political Perspectives

Social Democratic Party
The Social Democrats support a restrictive alcohol policy, defend Systembolaget’s retail monopoly, oppose farm sales of alcohol, and support stronger controls on online alcohol sales. The party emphasizes public health, addiction treatment, and protection of children affected by alcohol misuse.

Moderate Party
The Moderates focus on improving conditions for rural businesses and support measures such as farm sales of alcohol, reduced regulation, and increased opportunities for small-scale producers.

Christian Democrats
The Christian Democrats advocate a restrictive alcohol policy based on public health considerations. They support maintaining Systembolaget’s monopoly, alcohol taxation, preventive measures, and stronger addiction prevention efforts.

Left Party
The Left Party views alcohol as different from ordinary consumer goods and supports maintaining Systembolaget’s monopoly. The party argues that increased availability through farm sales could undermine public health objectives.

Interview with Member of Parliament Karin Sundin

The report includes responses from Social Democratic Member of Parliament Karin Sundin. She states that all alcoholic beverages should be regulated under existing alcohol legislation, confirms contact with civil society organizations working on alcohol-related issues, expresses concern about lobbying by powerful market actors, and supports broader discussions on transparency in lobbying and political influence.

Conclusions

The report concludes that the Swedish alcohol industry and alcohol policy landscape are shaped by a complex interaction between public health objectives, commercial interests, political actors, and civil society organizations. While companies increasingly emphasize sustainability and corporate social responsibility, concerns remain regarding alcohol-related harm, marketing practices, and lobbying activities.

The report highlights the need for a balanced and responsible alcohol policy that takes both economic and public health considerations into account. It emphasizes that the future development of alcohol policy in Sweden will continue to require careful consideration of competing interests and societal consequences.

Source can be livered on request