Long queues for tins of surströmming

The queue for tins of surströmming stretched way beyond the entrance of ICA Kvantum when they opened the doors on Monday morning. "We had about 350 people queuing when we opened," says Alexander Björk, store manager.

This morning there was a long queue outside ICA Kvantum for surströmming.

This morning there was a long queue outside ICA Kvantum for surströmming.

Foto: Alexander Björk

Skellefteå2023-08-07 16:45

During the week, the grocery store will have available tins of Surströmming every morning. From Saturday, however, there will be no more scheduled deliveries.

– There is a great demand. We used to be able to offer Surströmming all year round. But with the current demand, the tins will go quickly, says Alexander Björk, the store manager.

The line at ICA Kvantum was also almost twice as long this year as it was last year.

This year it stretched all the way to the entrance, but we were prepared. However, the 475-gram cans ran out very quickly," says Alexander Björk.

Nevertheless, they had a large shipment that was enough for the entire line. Customers were limited to a maximum of two cans each.

– We have received several thousand cans. The interest is incredible. On Wednesday we will get cans from Oskars and on Friday from Kallax.

Outside the store, a calm and orderly line of people waited for the doors to open.

– Those who had been in line the longest were allowed in first. The line was about an hour long. Customers want to make sure they have enough cans for the summer, says Björk.

At Coop Sörböle in Skellefteå, the rush has not yet begun.

– We have only received a few small boxes that were brought in this morning. Our big shipment will arrive over the weekend. But a lot of people are calling and asking about the cans, says Susanne Rindelöv, the store manager.

She says there is always a high initial demand. Surströmming Day is next Thursday, August 17.

Many want to get their hands on the coveted fish ahead of Surströmming Day next week. Stock image.
Many want to get their hands on the coveted fish ahead of Surströmming Day next week. Stock image.