The Alcohol Act is set to undergo a significant change on Monday, June 10. This modification will allow the sale of strong alcoholic beverages made through fermentation with a maximum of eight percent alcohol in stores. The President of the Republic is expected to confirm the law change on Friday of the same week.
Kesko and the S group, Finland’s two largest trading companies, are gearing up to bring strong alcoholic beverages to stores once the law takes effect. Both companies have been preparing for this change and have a moderate amount of new products in stock ready for sale. They are aiming to start deliveries as soon as possible, potentially on the same day the law comes into effect.
The amendment to the Alcohol Act only applies to alcoholic beverages produced through fermentation, allowing a maximum strength of eight percent in grocery stores. However, the maximum strength of alcohol-based mixed drinks will remain at 5.5 percent. This has raised concerns by the Brewery and Soft Drink Industry Association regarding potential distortion of competition and unequal treatment of product groups in the market.
The association has sought guidance from the European Commission regarding the potential competitive advantage of fermented beverages in the internal market. The CEO of the association has indicated that they will discuss possible actions at a board meeting by the end of June. The impact of this law change on
