Sweden to import Michigan beer

The bioeconomy connections between Sweden and Michigan continue to grow -- and now they're being strengthened with beer.

An alcoholic beverage distributor in Sweden, Bibendum AB, has been approved to import the Wheatland beer from the Michigan Brewing Company (MBC) into Sweden. The first batch will ship in March 2008. Before the ink had dried on the first order, the Swedes promptly ordered three to four more styles of beer.

Kris Berglund, university distinguished professor of forestry and chemical engineering and materials science, has been helping MBC owner Bobby Mason to supply the distributor with the necessary information for importation. Berglund has extensive ties to Sweden. In addition to his MSU appointment, Berglund is also a professor in the Department of Biochemical and Chemical Process Engineering, a department he helped found, at the Luleå University of Technology in Luleå, Sweden. He also works extensively with bioeconomy entrepreneurs and researchers in Sweden and was one of the MSU delegation that traveled to Sweden in August with Gov. Granholm to foster bioeconomy business and research partnerships.

"This transaction is an excellent example of unexpected opportunities to boost Michigan's bioeconomy outside of alternative fuels and pharmaceuticals," said Berglund. "It also underscores the importance of excellence and added-value. Many brewers exist, but those like MBC that have superior products with unique qualities can find new market outlets."

MBC is also the site of the MSU Artisan Distilling Program and the MSU Biorefinery Training Facility, a state-of-the-art facility for refining a variety of biofuels, biochemicals and other bioproducts.