Biltema The Spitfire Safety Matches

Biltema is a prominent Swedish retail chain founded in 1963 by Sten Åke Lindholm. While the company began as a mail-order business focusing on automotive spare parts, it has since evolved into a massive department store concept. The 'Spitfire' safety matches are a classic household product sold under Biltema's private label, often featuring vintage-inspired branding.

The production of safety matches has a long heritage in Sweden, dating back to the 19th-century inventions in Jönköping. Most of Biltema's match products are manufactured in Sweden through established match factories, though some batches may be sourced from other European locations depending on supply chain logistics. Biltema remains a privately held company owned by the Lindholm family via their holding company based in Linköping and Switzerland.