How did it all start?
It all began in 1998 when Åke Nordgren, driven by a profound passion for food and beverages, founded Akebono. His journey into the world of gastronomy traces back to his summer job at Hotel Malmen in Stockholm during the 1960s. After enduring long days and nights and fueled by a deep-seated passion for wine, Åke initiated a wine and cooking club with friends in the 1970s.
This culinary odyssey continued with memberships in prestigious wine cellars, starting with the "Storken Wine Cellar" in Östermalm during the 1980s. Åke's wine exploration culminated with membership in the "Grappe Wine Cellar" in the early 1990s, coinciding with his first trip to Japan. These experiences laid the foundation for Akebono, a venture that blossomed from a rich history of dedication, exploration, and a love for the culinary arts.
Our story begins.
The allure of Japanese culture and lifestyle left an indelible impression on Åke Nordgren. Inspired by the richness of the Japanese culinary experience, the idea of establishing a company that could effectively communicate the essence of Japanese food and drink in a clear and captivating manner took root.
In collaboration with Suzanne and Fixi Lindén, as well as Dan Jay Lundgren, Åke Nordgren leads Sweden's premier import company specializing in Japanese beverages. Their collective mission revolves around education, aiming to illuminate the brilliance of Japanese alcohol, a category that regrettably can be misunderstood in the West. The enthusiasm for Japanese libations has witnessed significant growth, with sake finding its place not only in upscale fine dining establishments but also in cozy "hole-in-the-wall" sushi bars.
Over the course of 32 years, the team has embarked on an impressive 167 journeys to Japan, garnering extensive knowledge about Japanese drink and food culture. This wealth of experience positions them as authoritative figures capable of addressing inquiries spanning everything from the intricacies of Japanese libations to broader cultural aspects. Akebono stands as a testament to their dedication to fostering a deeper appreciation for the fantastic but often misunderstood world of Eastern alcohol.
Where can you find our products?
We offer our products from our bonded warehouses in Sweden & Denmark. In Finland we have our partner Soil Wine Group that represent Akebono and distribute our products. And in Norway our partner is Mousey Wine for distribution and also education. Restaurant costumers can contact us directly, private costumers, please visit www.systembolaget.se.