The first Pilsnerkorv sausages were produced by Alvesta butchery association in 1953. The launch was preceded by a large nationwide salmonella outbreak that originated in Alvesta's butchery. In total 9 000 people became infected and 90 people died during the epidemic.[1]
As a consequence of the epidemic outbreak skeptical consumers stayed away from meat products for some time to come, especially those with "Alvesta" on the label.[1] This new sausage product would thus be a way to sell in a guaranteed salmonella-free fully sterilized tinned goods, with the help of a famous movie star.
The actor Erik "Bullen" Berglund, who had a side career as cookbook author, lent his name and face to the new product. He was an established pilsnerfilm [sv] actor, a type of 1930s comedy which often included elements of paltry comics about drinking pilsner and other alcoholic beverages, which led to the product's name.[2]
Erik "Bullen" Berglund did also help with the recipe for the canned sausage. During the 1950s, over thirty products were released under the "Bullens" label, including pigs' feet and dill meat.[3]
Of all the meat products under Bullen's name, only these canned sausages remain into the 21st century.[3] They are marketed under two names:
- Bullens pilsnerkorv [Bullen's pilsner sausage], with 8 sausages in a can.
- Bullens varmkorv [Bullen's hot-dogs], with 40 somewhat longer sausages in a larger can.
Today (2016) Bullens Pilsnerkorv is produced by Scan. The recipe, design, and the packaging remain the same today as it was when launched.[2] The label is yellow and black, with the text "Bullens" and two sausages in an irregular red colour.[3]
