TERRIFIC WINES CASE STUDIES

All markets share common attributes while also having unique traits differentiating them from one another. The distribution of alcoholic beverages in Sweden is regulated though strict laws as well as a retail monopoly, Systembolaget. While limiting, this also provides unique opportunities for those who understand the mechanisms of the Swedish market. Our depth of knowledge, our experience and our comprehensive understanding of the market’s distinctive characteristics leave us well equipped to assist our partners, and we have several examples to show how we’ve successfully been able to assist in building brands, developing concepts and blending wines suited to the Swedish market – key elements for anyone aiming to launch a product here.

For many years, the cava producer Gramona has been receiving top marks in its local market as well as elsewhere – for instance very recently in the 2017 Guide Peñín where the producer’s ”Enoteca” was named the best wine from Spain. In Sweden, the producer and the wine long remained largely unknown, in spite of …

The basic product range of Systembolaget consists of a selection of products which are available throughout the year in the state monopoly’s 400 stores or so. In addition to these products, Systembolaget each year also offers a number of products for purchase on a temporary basis. These are often rather exclusive wines and are sold …

In Sweden, just making it onto the shelves of the retail monopoly is not enough. In order to remain there, dedicated and sustained work is a necessity. As an importer, good relationships with both the monopoly Systembolaget as well as various wine journalists are a must. Being perceived as a credible and serious player is …

Obtaining a place in the assortment of the Swedish retail monopoly, Systembolaget, is a very desirable goal for wine producers all over the world. Usually, this goal is achieved by responding to calls for tenders in which Systembolaget makes a request for a specific product from a specific area and with specific characteristics. However, this …

Clotide Davenne started her own business in 2004. In 2009, at the time when Terrific Wines took over as the distributor of her wines for the Swedish market, sales in Sweden were virtually non-existent and the producer still largely unknown. A dedicated effort to promote Clotilde Davenne towards Swedish wine journalists, combined with a strategic …

The Swedish wine market, characterized by the strong position of the retail monopoly Systembolaget, is very different compared with a free market. While it is possible to sell wine directly to restaurants, the market still remains dominated by Systembolaget. Those who wish to be successful in Sweden must first understand the Swedish system. In spite …