Göteborgs Rapé

Goteborg’s Rapé was the world's first white portion snus, an innovation that was quickly adopted by several other brands.  In fact, if it wasn't for Axel Unz, the white portion might have never been invented at all!

According to people who heard this story, Goteborg’s Rapé was supposed to be produced as an original or "wet" portion snus.  This requires an initial wetting of the portions followed by a rewetting before the portions go into the can.

A low level factory worker by the name of Axel Unz accidently turned off the water supply to the rewetting spigot while getting a glass of water.  

Everyone marveled at the white color of the portion pouch and how it was dry to the touch but moist inside.  The white portion was born!

Meanwhile, Unz was fired for touching the snus-making machinery and reeking of alcohol during business hours.

Rapé is pronounced RaPEE or RaPAY; NOT Rape!

Goteborg’s Rapé has suffered indignities in the USA because Americans are not familiar with that stupid comma-like thing above the letter "e".  Why should they be?

As usual, this is the fault of the evil French.

The word ‘Rapé’ comes from France and means grate or grated, which refers to the 1700s practice that originated in French society circles where people grated their tobaccos by hand to get the exact consistency they wanted.

Goteborg’s Rapé isn't made that way anymore but pre-Swedish Match AB decided to keep the name for the sake of tradition.  Back then, they never considered the American market.

Over the last several years, we have been treated to forum posts about "Goat Rape" snus and other crudities.  Woman's groups have gasped in shock when seeing the cans.  

My American friends have received dirty looks from bar maids when leaving their Goteborg’s Rapé snus can on the bar.

It has become such an issue that Swedish Match has been subtly been changing the can graphics to GR'.  All of this because of the stupid French.  

France is at the root of anything that is or has ever been wrong in this world.