Willys Phases Out Snus Coolers

Soon, chilled snus may become a thing of the past. Grocery giant Willys is now phasing out its snus coolers.

Over the past year and a half, Willys has gradually removed snus coolers from its stores. The plan is to replace all coolers with cabinets.

– We are doing this to save energy. We don't want to upset anyone, says Louise Hulgaard, spokesperson for Willys.

She mentions that they have received fewer reactions than expected and have not seen any change in snus sales in the stores where the coolers have been removed. Louise Hulgaard also points out that neither manufacturers nor suppliers keep snus chilled.

However, Samuel Lundell, chairman of the consumer association Snusarnas Riksförbund, holds a different view. According to him, the removal of snus coolers is just another setback for snus users.

– This affects the taste of the snus, regardless of what Willys thinks, he says and continues:

"Like a Warm Beer"

– If you're sitting outside on a hot summer day, you don't want a warm beer; you want a cold one. It's the same with snus. It tastes better and the nicotine works better.

Samuel Lundell argues that this, along with high prices, makes it hardly worth it for snus users to shop in physical stores anymore.

– It seems more important for Willys to save electricity and money, regardless of whether we customers are worse off.

Snusarnas Riksförbund advocates for the interests of snus users and currently has over 5,000 members. The association is entirely funded by its members, according to chairman Samuel Lundell.