Absolut Vodka

The Absolut Company, previously state-owned Vin & Sprit, is since 2008 part of the Pernod Ricard family, the world’s second largest wine and spirits producer. The Absolut Company has the worldwide responsibility for the production and marketing of Absolut Vodka – the sixth biggest spirits brand globally. It is also Pernod Ricard’s largest international spirits brand by volume.

The company has over 500 proud co-workers and its brands are sold in more than 140 markets. The head office is in Stockholm and production takes place in Åhus, Sweden. It also has the global responsibility for Malibu, the number one rum-based coconut spirit in the world and Kahlúa coffee liqueur, the world leader in its category. The Absolut Company portfolio also includes Our/Vodka, Åhus Akvavit and Absolut Art. The visitor center, Absolut Home, located next to the main production site for Absolut Vodka, was opened in 2018.

ECONOMIC ENGINE

Absolut Vodka is a Swedish Vodka, a protected Geographical Indication (GI). Our commitment to our origin generates a significant economic impact.
Every bottle of Absolut Vodka comes from one source, Åhus. Here, 100 000 000 liters of vodka are produced every year, equating to a staggering average of 500 000 bottles per workday. Absolut Vodka is Sweden’s single largest food export with 99 % of all bottles produced exported worldwide.

Did you know, that 15-20 % of all wheat in Skåne (southern part of Sweden) is purchased and used in the production of Absolut Vodka? Today, the company has a relationship with around 400 farmers. Farmers who produce wheat according to the company’s strict quality and environmental criteria get paid a premium. Working with supplier partners based in Sweden, The Absolut Company purchase goods and services at a value of 1,5 billion SEK (€150 million) per year. The production generates more than 2 000 jobs, from farmers to glass workers and truck drivers.

CARING FOR OUR TERROIR

Absolut believes in making the best possible vodka from one source and in one community. Its ambition is to close all loops, creating a circular system. The learning is that small changes can lead to a big impact:
o Promote sustainable farming techniques, because the vodka making tradition in Åhus spans centuries.
o The best energy is the energy not used at all. That’s why Absolut Vodka has built one of the most energy efficient distilleries in the world. Today, it is made via a carbon neutral distillation process.
o In production, everything that can be reused or recycled is so. Less than 1% of waste is sent to landfill.
o More than 40% recycled clear glass is used in Absolut Vodka bottles, in turn using one third of all available clear glass in Sweden.