Suntory Oceania launches $3 billion beverage powerhouse

Japanese drinks giant Suntory officially launched on Monday its new $3 billion multi-beverage business in the Australian marketplace, dubbed Suntory Oceania.

Announced in August 2023, the establishment of Suntory Oceania creates the region's fourth largest multi-beverage group with end-to-end responsibility for its portfolio of premium spirits, ready-to-drink alcohol beverages, juice, water, soft drinks, coffee, energy and sports drinks.

The company has grown its Oceania workforce to 1,500 people and completed the transformation of a greenfield site into a $400 million state-of-the-art, carbon-neutral facility in Queensland.

Dai Minato, chief executive of Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, said the mission was to bring the best of Suntory to Oceania and demonstrate confidence in Australia's growth potential.

“Our team has delivered incredible results in just over two years – the transformation of a greenfield site to a $400 million state-of-the-art, carbon-neutral facility and the establishment of a new supply chain and commercial model,” Minato said.

With increased local capability and capacity, Suntory Oceania's 40 market-leading brands, including premium Japanese whiskies, Suntory -196 RTD, Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Canadian Club, V Energy, Maximus and Suntory BOSS coffee, are positioned to meet consumer demand.

Mark Hill, managing director of Suntory Global Spirits – Oceania, said the Australian beverages market was one of the most energetic and innovative in the world.

The new Queensland beverage facility is capable of producing 20 million cases per annum at start-up and has the capacity to expand to 50 million cases in the future. The site was opened on Monday by Senator Anthony Chisholm and Queensland Minister for Finance and Trade Ros Bates.

Suntory will launch its new multi-beverage business offering in the New Zealand market in January 2026.

Picture: supplied