Vinmonopolet
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Type | Government enterprise |
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| Founded | November 30, 1922 |
| Headquarters | Norway |
| Key people | Kai G. Henriksen (CEO) |
| Industry | Liquor |
| Products | Alcoholic beverages |
| Website | vinmonopolet.no |
Vinmonopolet (English: The Wine Monopoly), commonly shortened to Polet, is a government owned alcoholic beverage retailer and the only company allowed to sell beverages containing a higher alcohol content than 4.7% in Norway. The institution was founded in 1922 as a government-owned company as the result of trade negotiations with wine exporters, mainly France. The ban on alcohol was lifted, and sale was allowed through outlets run by Vinmonopolet. Stores close business before most other shops every day, normally weekdays at 5 or 6 pm and Saturdays at 3 pm.
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[edit] Consumer relations
In a 2008 survey by Norsk Kundebarometer, customers of the monopoly were 81.5% satisfied with the company, ranking it 4th in Norway.[1] There are critical voices, however, that question the institution's selection process of allowing a small self-recruited group, termed "the taste bureaucracy", make the wine buying decisions on behalf of the entire Norwegian people.[2]
The institution has not stayed clear of problems. In one instance the published price list offered Château Latour at the incredicby priced NOK 555, where an estimate would normally be near NOK 2,600, causing the quickest three customers to order to buy up the entire inventory, with the intent to make a quick and considerable profit. The explanation was that the more modestly priced Château Latour à Pomerol had its name listing edited down for brevity.[3]
[edit] Corruption cases
In what is known as Dysthesaken (the Dysthe case) in 1930 exposed flaws in the goods acquisition procedures of Vinmonopolet, and as a consequence changes were made to the procedure. Leadership were sentenced for combining company and personal interests. The influence and power of individuals in purchasing decisions were reduced would after this. Following this, a law of July 19, 1931 (Vinmonopolloven, the wine monoploy law) came into effect.[4]
Ekjordsaken, (the Ekjord case) uncovered in 2005, brought new allegations of corruption against employees and leadership of Vinmonopolet. A probe led by Erling Grimstad exposed that the importer Ekjord A/S over the course of several years had sponsored outlet leaders by arranging luxury dining and accomodations as well as other gifts in order to influence purchases and placement of their products within the stores. Several leadership members admitted to having recveived wines and other perks, leading to reprimands of 9 individuals, two of which were dismissed.[5]
The initiating factor was an employee with Ekjord A/S who was fired, and sued to reclaim his position. During the trial the elaborate "grease culture" in the company Ekjord A/S was uncovered.[6][7]
[edit] Other alcoholic monopolies
[edit] References
- ^ kundebarometer.com Customer poll, search criteria - satisfaction (Norwegian)
- ^ Marthinsen, Tom, Dagens Næringsliv (September 6, 2008). "Polets forskjellsbehandling" (in Norwegian).
- ^ Marthinsen, Tom, Dagens Næringsliv (November 14, 2001). "Latour-forviklinger for Vinmonopolet" (in Norwegian).
- ^ Lovdata.no. "Vinmonopolloven, LOV 1931-06-19 nr 18: Lov om Aktieselskapet Vinmonopolet" (in Norwegian).
- ^ Fadnes, Ole-Morten; Meyer, Henrik D, Dagens Næringsliv (December 2, 2005). "Polsjefen trekker seg - beholder lønnen" (in Norwegian).
- ^ Marthinsen, Tom; Linderud, Esben, Dagens Næringsliv (January 20, 2005). "Vinimportør smurte polsjefer" (in Norwegian).
- ^ Marthinsen, Tom, Dagens Næringsliv (November 23, 2005). ""Ekjord er verst"" (in Norwegian).
[edit] External links
- Vinmonopolet official presentation (English)
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