Absolut Vodka Sweden's largest food export product

The Swedish Food Federation has presented new statistics on the Swedish food exports. In 2014, the food exports made up a sum of just over 70 billion SEK, according to the Swedish Food Federation. Spirits is the largest category with nearly 10 per cent of the total food exports. The largest product in the category is Absolut Vodka, which is produced in Åhus, Skåne, located in southern Sweden. Absolut Vodka also use 15-20 per cent of all the wheat produced in the region.

“At Absolut we talk of One Source, One Community, One Superb Vodka - every single drop of Absolut Vodka, from distillation to bottling, is manufactured in Åhus and the surrounding areas, in accordance with the Swedish vodka tradition. We only use winter wheat from the fertile fields in our community of Skåne and water from our own deep springs. Each bottle tells of its Swedish heritage, which is of great value to many consumers”, says Krister Asplund, Production Director at The Absolut Company.

During 2013-2014, sales reached nearly 100 million liters or 11.1 million 9-liter cases, with a worldwide export to over 150 markets. The largest market is the US, followed by duty free / travel retail, Germany, Canada and UK. Absolut Vodka is the world's fifth largest premium spirits brand.

“99 per cent of our production is exported. We are proud that our long-term work with quality, innovation, creativity and responsibility has created a major success in exports regarding Swedish vodka traditions”, says Krister Asplund.

The success with exports also creates interest in the production process of Absolut Vodka. The Absolut Company has around 6000 Swedish and foreign visitors every year in Åhus who want to see and learn more about the production of Absolut Vodka as well as the Swedish beverage and food culture.

The facility in Åhus has 300 employees, most of whom are local residents. All major suppliers and partners are from the local area and in total The Absolut Company engages more than 1500 people in Åhus and the surrounding areas. Absolut Vodka use 15-20 per cent of all the wheat produced in the region, which in turn engages 400 local farmers.