Production records have been broken on a regular basis at the plant in Åhus lately. At the end of January and beginning of February it was time again, but now ABSOLUT has surpassed a symbolically significant boundary – 10 million 9-liter cases in 12 consecutive months. The total production equaled an incredible 10,026,000 9-liter cases, which is the equivalent of about 90 million liters for the period February 2006 – January 2007.

In the past 12 months more vodka has been produced at the plant than in 1979 – 1987.

“Today’s production record is another confirmation that ABSOLUT VODKA is appreciated by consumers around the world, on the American market as well as the other focus markets. With the pace of growth V&S Absolut Spirits is keeping, the next dream boundary is in clear sight – 100 million liters in 12 months. The export success for ABSOLUT VODKA leads to more employment opportunities in Åhus and at our subcontractors, such as the glassworks in Limmared. We estimate that approximately 1500-2000 people in Sweden work to make ABSOLUT VODKA a success. Everyone from farmers to label manufactures,” says Ketil Eriksen, President V&S Absolut Spirits.

Last week the annual results were presented for V&S Absolut Spirits and showed that ABSOLUT VODKA broke sales records in 2006. Sales of ABSOLUT VODKA increased with as much as 7 percent in 2006. The volume for the entire business area increased with 13 percent. The total turnover for the business area increased with 9 percent to 5 882 MSEK. The result for V&S Absolut Spirits increased with 9 percent to 1.9 MSEK.

ABSOLUT VODKA is growing by double-digit percentages on most of the twelve focus markets. In Mexico sales of the vodka from southern Sweden grew with 33 percent, in the United Kingdom with 23 percent, in Canada with 17 percent and in Germany with 11 percent. Even the Swedish market is showing a sales increase for the first time in several years.

“We are very pleased with the results for 2006. All products in our portfolio show fantastic sales results. We are especially proud that our other brands, such as Level Vodka and the new acquisition Cruzan Rum, are also showing strong growth. In 2006 Level Vodka grew with 29 percent and is now the third largest super-premium vodka in the US,” says Ketil Eriksen.

For more information, contact: Marika Hjelm Siegwald, Director, Corporate Communications, V&S Absolut Spirits, phone: +46.70-377 74 02,

V&S Absolut Spirits’ production records:
16 March 2004                          the 1 billionth bottle of ABSOLUT VODKA leaves the plant in Åhus
15 December 2005                     the 9 millionth 9-liter case was produced
October 2006                             the largest shipment ever in one month: 9,153,000 liters
5 December 2006                       the 100 millionth bottle was produced
February 06-January 07              the first time 10 million 9-liter cases are produced in a 12-month period