The Swedish alcohol monopoly: A bottleneck for microbrewers in Sweden?

The evolution of the craft beer sector has been gaining traction around world since 1980s, developing from factors such as an increased demand for alternative and locally distinct flavours in beer, interest pairing food with right type income levels. Meanwhile, economic political contexts establishing running breweries differ between cities, regions, nations. This study takes its point departure producer perspective alcohol monopoly Sweden, where also developed quickly over last decades. main purpose is to contribute understanding perspectives on operating monopoly, how this effects development opportunities. explorative, mixed methods approach based a survey encompassing all Swedish brewers well qualitative data northern including interviews producers, site visits, document analysis. conclusions provide complex picture impact brewers, hence sector. However, critical dimensions are more pronounced among suggesting that organisation favours large-scale breweries, creates uncertain market conditions, leads quick unexpected decisions, logistical difficulties. From international comparative dimension, indicates Sweden could benefit grow even stronger modifications conditions according situation other geographical contexts.