Search Free text Swedish Match Menu Search OUR COMPANY Our company in brief Vision and strategy Markets Organization Company history Svenska Tobaks AB Svenska Tändsticks AB Swedish Match AB Corporate brand Svenska Tobaks AB 1915 Svenska Tobaksmonopolet introduced Svenska Tobaksmonopolet Financing of defense and pension system AB Svenska Tobaksmonopolet began operations in 1915. From its inception until 1929, the President was Oscar Wallenberg. Read more Härnösand tobacco factory 1920s Härnösand tobacco factory 1920s Nationalization of Sweden’s tobacco production plants The funds for the defense and pension system were to come from tobacco and the most effective way of doing this appeared to be through the creation of a monopoly. Consequently, all Swedish tobacco production plants were nationalized in 1915. Rationalization and concentration The operations were rationalized by concentrating on as few production plants as possible. In the area around Stockholm, all tobacco was to be manufactured in a newly constructed plant equipped with the most modern technology. Arvika tobacco factory 1921 Arvika tobacco factory 1921 1930s and 1940s Effects of the war and new launches Gothenburg snus factory 1930s Gothenburg snus factory 1940s Gothenburg snus factory 1940s War assortment and rationing Uncertainty regarding the supply of tobacco in connection with World War II meant that Svenska Tobaksmonopolet could no longer guarantee the high quality of its cigarettes. Read more Launch of new cigarettes The first filter cigarette, Sana, was introduced in Sweden in 1936. After the end of the war, US products became increasingly popular. Read more Gothenburg snus factory 1940s President change Gustaf Åkerlidh was President from 1929 to1939. He was succeeded by Per-Olof Westerberg who held the position until 1951. 1950s Medical tobacco research council established Council established In 1957, Tobaksmonopolet established a medical council to support independent scientific research into the impact of smoking on health. This was seven years before the publication in 1964 of the “Terry report”, the first ever paper on the harmful effects of cigarette smoking. Voluntary advertising limits The same year, Tobaksmonopolet initiated a voluntary limit on advertising, primarily to prevent young people from being reached by tobacco advertising. President change Elam Tunhammar was President from 1951 to1957. Olof Söderström assumed the position as President in 1957. Distribution 1950s 1960s Tobacco monopolies abolished. Conversion to Svenska Tobaks AB Conversion to a limited liability company The import and sales monopoly on tobacco products in Sweden was abolished in 1961 and the manufacturing monopoly in 1967. Svenska Tobaksmonopolet was converted into a new state-owned limited liability company and was given the name Svenska Tobaks AB. Stockholm warehouse 1960s Stockholm warehouse 1960s Rationalization of production and distribution The abolition of the monopoly resulted in tough competition. Rationalization within Svenska Tobaks AB was necessary in production and distribution. Read more Export of pipe tobacco In the wake of the abolition of Svenska Tobak AB’s monopoly in Sweden and in view of the limited growth potential in the domestic market, attention turned to markets outside Sweden. Read more First round snus can In 1967, the first round snus can was launched with colorful banners. It was the first change to the package since 1915, when the oval paper can was introduced. Acquisition of Dutch cigar company, EBAS As part of its strategy to gain a foothold in the growing European cigar market, the Dutch company, Elisabeth Bas/La Paz (EBAS), was acquired in 1968. Röda lacket, round snus can 1960s 1970s Svenska Tobaks transferred to Statsföretag AB. Introduction of portion-packed snus Acquisition of consumer products company In 1971, the ownership of the tobacco Group was transferred to the state-owned conglomerate, Statsföretag AB, marking the start of a period of acquisition of consumer-product companies including Ekströms and Grumme. Gothenburg snus factory 1970s Gothenburg snus factory 1970s Restrictions on marketing The first lawsuit against tobacco advertising was filed, which resulted in severe restrictions in the marketing area. 1971 Introduction of the cigarette brand Blend. 1973 The first portion-packed snus was launched in Sweden in 1973. President change Olof Söderström resigned 1970 after thirteen years as President. He was succeeded by Karl Wärnberg who held the position 1970 to1975. Sven G Andrén was President from 1975 to 1980. Gothenburg snus factory 1970s Gothenburg snus factory 1970s 1980s Name change to Procordia and listing on the Stockholm Stock Exchange Increased demand for snus Demand for snus increased and when production capacity was not sufficient a new snus plant was built in Gothenburg, which opened in 1982. Gothenburg snus factory 1980s President change In 1980, Sven G Andrén was succeeded as President by Nils-Erik Hedlund. He held the position until 1983, when he was succeeded by Klaus Unger who remained President until 1996. 1984 The state-owned conglomerate, Statsföretag AB, was renamed Procordia AB in 1984. Gothenburg snus factory 1980s Acquisition of Pinkerton and Willem II A further step in the internationalization of the tobacco business was taken in 1985, when Svenska Tobaks AB acquired The Pinkerton Tobacco Company (Pinkerton), the leading manufacturer of chewing tobacco in the US. In 1989, Dutch cigar manufacturer, Willem II in Valkenswaard, was acquired. 1989 Procordia was listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange in 1989. 1990s Volvo acquired part of Procordia. Procordia acquired Swedish Match 1990 In 1990, Volvo acquired 40 percent of Procordia. Procordia acquired Swedish Match In 1992, the listed company, Procordia, with principal owners Volvo and the Swedish government, acquired the match and disposable lighter operation named Swedish Match. Read more SHARE Share Facebook Share Twitter Share Linkedin Home / Our company / Company history / Svenska Tobaks AB CONTACT US IR contacts Media contacts Sustainability contacts HR contacts Consumer contact Web contact FIND US Headquarters Sales office Factory Distribution Store Research & Development All addresses Corporate headquarters Phone: +46 10 13 93 000 Sveavägen 44 SE-118 85 Stockholm Corporate headquarters Swedish Match Swedish Match AB SE-118 85 Stockholm Phone +46 10 13 93 000 Corporate reg no. 556015-0756 contactus@swedishmatch.com About the website Sitemap Site policy Privacy Notice Information about cookies Legal responsibility Find information Search FAQ Archive Glossary Subscription services Subscription service RSS FOLLOW US Facebook Twitter Linkedin We use cookies in order to provide you with the best user experience. By using our website, you agree to the use of cookies. If you want to learn more, click here. Close