Sustainability and artificial intelligence: How Systembolaget is redefining the future of wine
In the vast landscape of the global wine trade, Systembolaget stands out. Sweden's monopoly on alcohol distribution is not only a key player for producers looking to access the Scandinavian market, but also a benchmark for their commitment to sustainability. Gad Pettersson, Head of Product Quality & Sustainable Supply Chain, with over 25 years of experience in the sector, explains the evolution of this approach.
The tender process: beyond qualitative evaluation
One of the fundamental pillars of the Systembolaget model is the tender process: a structured mechanism for selecting products destined for the shelves. However, this process goes far beyond a qualitative evaluation.
During the tastings of the tenders, each wine is evaluated by a team of experts who verify its correspondence with the required aromatic profiles and compliance with strict environmental criteria. These include aspects such as the type of packaging and the cultivation method.
Packaging accounts for about 25% of total emissions in the beverage sector, followed by cultivation and production, which together make up a further 48%. Faced with these data, Systembolaget is pushing manufacturers to review their practices, favoring the use of lightweight bottles, alternative materials and more sustainable approaches throughout the supply chain. The goal is clear: to reduce the carbon footprint of the entire supply chain by 50% by 2030.
The central role of artificial intelligence
As Pettersson points out, generative technologies are already transforming the industry: they simplify workflows, boost efficiency and open up new avenues for sustainable innovation. Systembolaget has also recognized its value, adopting AI not as an end, but as a strategic tool to refine decision-making processes, optimize the supply chain and increase consumer satisfaction. Between sustainability, technological innovation and focus on the consumer, Systembolaget is charting a new course for the wine sector. A path that not only raises the bar for those who want to enter the Swedish market, but also offers a replicable model for those who imagine a more responsible future of wine .
Gad Pettersson
Gad Pettersson is responsible for product quality and supply chain sustainability at Systembolaget. With over 25 years of experience in the company, he has held roles as a wine buyer and Category Manager for wine. He contributed to the development of the assortment valuation model and now focuses on climate and sustainability goals.