Systembolaget's revenues increased during the first half of 2020 and amounted to just over SEK 17 billion, which corresponds to an increase of 13 percent. The sales volume increased during the same period by 11 percent, which corresponds to approximately 28 million more liters of alcohol sold.

Concerns that more people will drink more

Due to the current pandemic, there has been concern that alcohol intake will increase. But despite Systembolaget's increased sales, a survey conducted by Norstat on behalf of Systembolaget shows that drinking on the whole has decreased. The increase in sales volume is mainly explained as a result of other purchasing channels being severely restricted due to covid-19.

Anna Raninen is responsible for alcohol research issues at Systembolaget and has worked with the survey.

- On the whole, it can be said that the population retains their alcohol habits, she says.

7 out of 10 have not changed their habits

- It is about seven out of ten who say that they have not changed their consumption in comparison with the same period last year. Among those who have changed their consumption, it is twice as common to have reduced their consumption, says Anna Raninen to SVT.

It is among the young that the change is greatest. It is in this group that the largest proportion both increases and decreases their drinking. Anna Raninen explains that it is difficult to draw further conclusions from the material, as no questions have been asked about the cause.

- It is certain that the problems increase in certain groups, which should not be neglected, but it is still important to know that there are more people who reduce their consumption than who increase it, says Anna Raninen.

Alcohol risk factor in crises

At the same time, a research compilation, made by Ramboll on behalf of Systembolaget, shows that alcohol is a risk factor in societal crises. And as I said, there is a group that has increased its intake.

- We have looked at the probability of having increased consumption. There we see that it is most likely among the younger ones, ie among those under 50, among those who live in metropolitan regions or if they have consumed intensively.