Important dates in V&S's history

1917 The company is founded as a national monopoly for the production, import, export and wholesale trade of alcoholic beverages in Sweden.

1979 Exports of ABSOLUT VODKA begin to the United States, and later to other markets.

1995 Sweden becomes a member of the European Union. The company’s domestic monopoly ceases.

1999 V&S launches expansion through acquisitions in Northern Europe, including Danish Distillers. Lost market shares in Sweden are replaced by strong positions in neighbouring countries.

2001 V&S builds a global distribution network through its part-ownership of Future Brands and Maxxium.

2003 Luksusowa, other Polish brands and production facilities in Zielona Góra are acquired.

2006 The acquisition of Cruzan International, Inc., which began in 2005, is completed and Cruzan Rum is integrated into V&S’s operation.

2008 The Government of Sweden agreeds to sell V&S Vin & Sprit AB (V&S) to Pernod Ricard S.A. (Pernod Ricard)