SWEDEN Systembolaget cancels supplier contracts

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 4 August 2005

Systembolaget has cancelled all wine supplier contracts following allegations of bribery. The Swedish state-run alcohol retail monopoly has been the subject of a bribery scandal since 2004, in which suppliers are alleged to pay store managers for increasing the prominence of their products on shelves.

Vin Tragardh AB has had its contract terminated, having been accused of paying SEK900,000 (US$116,900) in bribes from a total of SEK1.2m received by Systembolaget managers.

Contracts with wine suppliers Akesson and Philipsson & Soderberg have also been cancelled, it was reported yesterday (3 August).

A total of 77 store managers are under suspicion of taking bribes. The first trials of suppliers and 18 former managers are due to begin within the next two months.

Sectors: Beer & cider, Spirits, Wine

Companies: AB