The tobacco industry in Sweden stands as a unique paradox, where traditional practices coexist with innovative harm reduction strategies. As the world grapples with the health implications of smoking, Sweden’s approach offers a compelling case study. The nation’s embrace of snus, a smokeless tobacco product, has not only become a cultural hallmark but also a public health conversation piece. While the rest of the world looks on, Sweden quietly forges ahead on a path that could redefine the future of tobacco consumption globally.
Early Beginnings
The breakthrough of the Swedish tobacco industry occurred in the 1700s, with tobacco being planted in various regions such as Skane, Granna, and Alingsas. By the end of the 1700s, tobacco was being grown in about 70 Swedish towns .
The Rise and Fall of Snus
Snus, a type of smokeless tobacco, became a popular product in Sweden during the 1700s. However, its popularity declined after the French Revolution, only to experience a resurgence in the early 1900s .
The Introduction of the Tobacco Monopoly
In the early 1900s, the Swedish government reintroduced the tobacco monopoly to fund military and pension reforms. This monopoly was exercised by AB Svenska Tobaksmonopolet .
Permit Requirements
To provide tobacco products to consumers in Sweden, a permit is required. Retailers must also have identification codes for registering deliveries of tobacco products in the traceability system .
Traceability of Tobacco Products
Tobacco products must be traceable and have traceability labels and security features as stated by law. This rule applies to all tobacco products from 20 May 2024 .
New Legislation on Non-Medicinal Tobacco-Free Nicotine Products
The Nicotine Act, which applies to tobacco-free nicotine products, was introduced in Sweden recently .
Current Market Size and Forecast
The tobacco products market in Sweden was valued at SEK39.9 billion ($4.7 billion) in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 3% during 2021-2026 .
Shift in Consumption Trends
The global tobacco market, including Sweden, is experiencing a significant shift away from cigarettes, indicating a change in consumer demand .
Swedish Match
Swedish Match AB is a major player in the Swedish tobacco industry, manufacturing and selling brands in the product segments of smoke-free, cigars, and light cigarettes .
Philip Morris AB
Established in 1969, Philip Morris AB is one of the leading tobacco companies in Sweden, selling brands like Marlboro, L&M, Chesterfield, and IQOS .
Historical Significance
Snus has a rich historical tradition in Sweden and has contributed significantly to the country’s tobacco use patterns .
Current Market Position
Snus holds a significant market share in the Swedish tobacco products market, indicating its continued popularity .
The Impact of Wars on the Tobacco Industry in Sweden
The early 1900s saw a massive increase in cigarette consumption, largely driven by the demands of war. This had a profound and lasting effect on Swedish tobacco use patterns .
what is the history of tobacco use in sweden
The history of tobacco use in Sweden dates back to the 16th century when Swedes began to mix tobacco leaves with salt and water to create a product known as snus, which is placed behind the upper lip . In the 1700s, the Swedish tobacco industry had its breakthrough, with tobacco being planted in about 70 Swedish towns .
The use of snus was common among the upper class, but it fell out of favor after the French Revolution. However, it experienced a resurgence under Napoleon, who was a major snus user . In the early 1900s, the Swedish government reintroduced the tobacco monopoly to fund the military and the first pension reform .
Snus consumption increased rapidly and reached record levels in 1919, but it went out of fashion as the burghers, who came into power, switched to smoking cigars . In the early 1800s, Swedish consumers switched to placing a pinch of snus behind the upper lip .
In the 1970s, the use of snus was in decline and was mostly used by older men. However, as a reaction to the scientific evidence about health risks of smoking emerging in the 1960s, Sweden was the first country to develop new manufacturing methods for snus .
what is the current state of the tobacco industry in sweden
The current state of the Swedish tobacco industry is unique in Europe due to the popularity of snus, a type of moist snuff placed under the upper lip. The use of snus has contributed to Sweden’s position as the country with the lowest smoking rate in Europe. In 2021, only 5.2% of the population smoked, a record low in Europe .
The Swedish tobacco industry is projected to grow by 0.21% from 2024 to 2028, resulting in a market volume of 1902.0m in 2028 . The leading companies in the industry include Japan Tobacco Inc, Philip Morris International Inc, British American Tobacco Plc, Landewyck Group S.a.r.l., Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S, and Burger Sohne AG .
The Swedish government has supported the snus industry by recently increasing taxes on cigarettes by 9% while reducing those on traditional snus by 20% . Snus is used by one in seven Swedes and its use has quadrupled among women aged 16 to 29 in four years .
what are the different types of tobacco products available in sweden
The different types of tobacco products available in Sweden include:
- Snus: Snus is a type of smokeless tobacco product that is very popular in Sweden. It is made from steam-cured tobacco leaves and is usually placed under the upper lip. Snus comes in loose powder form or in small pouches .
- Cigarettes: Cigarettes are one of the most common forms of tobacco products available worldwide, including in Sweden .
- Cigars and Cigarillos: These are smaller versions of cigars and are also available in the Swedish tobacco market .
- Smokeless Tobacco: Apart from snus, there are other forms of smokeless tobacco available in Sweden. These include dipping tobacco (also known as moist snuff or dip) and various forms of chewing tobacco .
- Smoking Tobacco: This category includes fine-cut tobacco for hand-rolled cigarettes and pipe tobacco .
Conclusion
The tobacco industry in Sweden has a complex and fascinating history, marked by shifts in product popularity, changes in regulations, and the rise of key industry players. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains a significant part of Sweden’s economic and cultural landscape.
Statistics:
Market Size and Forecast
The Swedish tobacco products market size was valued at SEK39.9 billion ($4.7 billion) in 2021. The market is expected to achieve a CAGR of more than 3% during 2021-2026 .
Smoking Trends in Sweden
Cigarette smoking has decreased steadily in Sweden since the early 1980s. Today, between six and ten percent of the adult population smokes on a daily or regular basis .
FAQs:
Why is snus significant in the Swedish tobacco industry?
Snus, a smokeless tobacco product, is a significant part of the Swedish tobacco industry. It is a popular alternative to traditional smoking products, with approximately 1 million Swedish adults currently using snus .
What is the current market size and forecast for the Swedish tobacco industry?
The Swedish tobacco products market size was valued at SEK39.9 billion ($4.7 billion) in 2021. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 3% during 2021-2026 .
How has cigarette smoking trend changed in Sweden?
Cigarette smoking has decreased steadily in Sweden since the early 1980s. Today, between six and ten percent of the adult population smokes on a daily or regular basis .
What are the main categories of tobacco products in Sweden?
The key categories in the Swedish tobacco products market are cigarettes, cigars & cigarillos, smokeless tobacco, and smoking tobacco .
Who are the key players in the Swedish tobacco industry?
The leading companies in the Swedish tobacco industry include Japan Tobacco Inc, Philip Morris International Inc, British American Tobacco Plc, Landewyck Group S.a.r.l., Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S, and Burger Sohne AG .
Books:
Recommended Books on the Swedish Tobacco Industry
A recommended book on the subject of the Swedish tobacco industry is “Petum Optimum: A Book on Tobacco in Sweden From the Beginning of the 17th Century” .
Sources of Information:
Reliable Sources for Information on the Swedish Tobacco Industry
Reliable sources for information on the Swedish tobacco industry include market research reports, statistical databases, academic journals, and publications from tobacco companies and health organizations https://www.globaldata.com/store/report/sweden-tobacco-products-market-analysis/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/549523/export-value-of-tobacco-and-tobacco-manufactures-from-sweden/
https://www.jstor.org/stable/45150099
https://www.euromonitor.com/tobacco-in-sweden/report
https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:781255/FULLTEXT01.pdf
https://globaltobaccoindex.org/country/SE
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/MEMO_08_506
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4471-0769-9_381
https://www.jti.com/europe/sweden
The Swedish Experience
https://apnews.com/article/smoking-cigarettes-snus-sweden-7e3744800a4714bdee4bcb1736983586
https://www.jstor.org/stable/20056773
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4615-1907-2_225
https://www.swedishmatch.com/Snus-and-health/Tobacco-use/Tobacco-use-in-figures/
https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/who_rgte_2021_sweden.pdf.
Citations:
Authoritative Sources on the Swedish Tobacco Industry
Authoritative sources on the Swedish tobacco industry include the World Health Organization, Global Data, Statista, JSTOR, Amazon, Euromonitor, DIVA, Global Tobacco Index, EC Europa, Springer, AP News, Tobacco Tactics, and Swedish Match https://www.globaldata.com/store/report/sweden-tobacco-products-market-analysis/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/549523/export-value-of-tobacco-and-tobacco-manufactures-from-sweden/
https://www.jstor.org/stable/45150099
https://www.euromonitor.com/tobacco-in-sweden/report
https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:781255/FULLTEXT01.pdf
https://globaltobaccoindex.org/country/SE
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/MEMO_08_506
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4471-0769-9_381
https://www.jti.com/europe/sweden
The Swedish Experience
https://apnews.com/article/smoking-cigarettes-snus-sweden-7e3744800a4714bdee4bcb1736983586
https://www.jstor.org/stable/20056773
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4615-1907-2_225
https://www.swedishmatch.com/Snus-and-health/Tobacco-use/Tobacco-use-in-figures/
https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/who_rgte_2021_sweden.pdf.