Small-scale farm sales of alcoholic beverages – as early as this summer?

On 1 June, the law permitting small-scale farm sales of alcoholic beverages is expected to come into effect. This development opens up completely new business opportunities, but there are still many questions regarding how the rules and their application will be shaped. Therefore, within the framework of the Bascil project, Krinova invited beverage producers in Skåne to an initial meeting.

Interest was high, with over 30 enthusiastic participants gathering at Krinova last week in March.
“There are many skilled small-scale beverage producers here in Skåne, and it’s clear that farm sales is something people are really passionate about. The opportunity to add or develop a visitor/event component linked to production offers incredible potential for increased revenue, economic sustainability, and collaboration,” says Hannes van Lunteren, head of KrinovaFood.

Niklas Fjellström, project manager at Krinova, spoke about the Bascil project, which is now in its final phase and actively working to build networks and destinations to promote local and regional culinary tourism services.

As knowledge-enhancing activities will be one of the requirements for farm sales, Niklas also shared inspiring examples of such activities, including a “wine trail” initiative in Estonia.
“Collaboration holds enormous potential for all beverage producers in Skåne. We can’t influence the regulations themselves, but we can find ways to sell our products in the best possible manner. The real benefit of the new law isn’t the volume of sales, but the opportunity to create added value for visitors,” says Niklas.

One of the participants, Håkan Hansson from Hällåkra Vineyard, who has been cultivating wine in Skåne since 2003, already has an established visitor operation.
“Much is still unclear regarding the upcoming regulations, and there may be a few pitfalls along the way. I find it hard to believe all the details will be ready by 1 June – it’s more realistic that implementation will take place in the autumn,” says Håkan.

Even local alcohol licensing officers are awaiting guidelines. Mari Lilja, licensing inspector at Osby Municipality, will be handling farm sales permits.
“Farm sales of alcohol is new for all of us, and it will take some time before all the details and regulations are in place. Everyone is, of course, eager to get started. I’m optimistic, and with a bit of mutual respect, I’m confident this will turn out well,” says Mari.

At the end of April, the Swedish Parliament is expected to make a decision regarding farm sales, and the Public Health Agency is currently working on the guidelines for implementation. The government’s new proposal aims to improve conditions for local tourism, and although many questions remain, there is no mistaking the optimism among beverage producers in Skåne.

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