Claes Dahlbäck - Vin & Sprit, Sweden
2003 President, International Wine and Spirit Competition
"I would like my presidency to reinforce the truly global nature of The Competition, for example by improving its reach to lesser known winemakers and northern and eastern European spirits producers. Many companies have a long-standing tradition of benchmarking their products against world-class competition; others will find it useful for their development. This will improve the competitiveness of us all."
The International Wine and Spirit Competition is thrilled to announce Claes Dahlbäck, chairman of V&S Group in Sweden, as the president elect for 2003. The inspiration for Claes to become 2003 president of The Competition comes from his development of Scandinavian-based V&S Group into a world player. Wine has been shipped over long distances since ancient times, but today the drinks industry is nevertheless in a phase of strong globalisation and restructuring.
Claes Dahlbäck is something of a leading figure in Nordic business life, serving today as board chairman of Investor, Stora Enso, Gambro and V&S Group. He can look back at a distinguished career that began at the age of 30, when he was named CEO of Investor, Sweden's largest industrial holding company and substantial, long-term shareholder in a number of global public companies. Elected to the board of V&S in 1991 and chairman in 1993, Mr Dahlbäck has overseen the company's transition from a domestic monopoly to a fiercely competitive and successful alcoholic-beverage company, with operations in 12 countries and supported by worldwide distribution partnerships. V&S's primary flag carrier Absolut is the third best-selling premium spirits brand in the world. In addition, the group owns and develops other spirits brands with international appeal, such as Plymouth Gin, Danzka Vodka, Frïs Vodka and Aalborg Aquavit. On the wine side, V&S Group is the leading importer and distributor in the buoyant north European wine market.
Frances Horder, Competition Director, recently commented on Claes's upcoming presidency. "As a major international wine buyer and spirits producer, Claes represents the ideal marriage of the wine and spirit industries, and reflects the global nature of The Competition. We are greatly looking forward to his assistance in furthering our international profile."