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THE KOSKENKORVA DISTILLERY<br />
IN FINLAND<br />
SUSTAINABILITY HAS ALWAYS<br />
BEEN A LINCHPIN OF THE<br />
COMPANY’S GROWTH STRATEGY<br />
B<br />
ut first a look at the company’s origins. Anora may well be young, but it did not<br />
appear out of nowhere. Far from it. It stems from the merger of two companies,<br />
one Finnish, Altia – a well-established producer and marketer of alcoholic drinks in<br />
Nordic markets and the Baltic countries –the other Arcus, the largest wine importer<br />
and spirits producer in Norway. Anora, which is known for its import and distribution<br />
activities, also owns a broad-ranging portfolio of brands, some of which<br />
have a long-standing history. Linie, the group’s oldest firm, is a case in point – its<br />
story dates back to 1805 and it produces an aquavit which is matured in the sea and<br />
has become an icon.<br />
But Linie is not the only brand to boast time-honoured traditions. If you are a<br />
spirits enthusiast, names like Koskenkorva and O.P. Anderson will be familiar to<br />
you. Well-established companies like these sit comfortably alongside more recent<br />
brands within the Scandinavian group. They have also carved out a name for themselves<br />
as innovative, disruptive stable mates which bring a new perspective to the<br />
world of wines and spirits. Although they have a strong following in the markets of<br />
Northern Europe, they are also gradually gaining traction internationally.<br />
One such example is Chill Out. It cannot be classed as a newcomer as it’s been<br />
around for 20 years in the Swedish market, but it has drawn attention for its novel<br />
packaging. Its recycled PET bottles and 100% recyclable boxes epitomise its relaxed,<br />
consumer-centric approach to wine. The packaging is practical, light and easy to<br />
carry and it is designed to make consumers’ lives simpler. In fact, the brand has just<br />
launched a 1.5-litre bag-in-box of organic Zinfandel from Italy, shares Anna Bastin<br />
Löwgren, Chill Out’s brand owner. The format breaks with the customary 3-litre<br />
box tradition and is designed to offer a more appropriate solution for households.<br />
90 AUTUMN 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE
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