Deerfield, Illinois, June 23, 2014 – Beam Suntory Inc., one of the world’s leading spirits companies, today announced that it will begin distribution of the Suntory Japanese and Scotch whiskies and Midori liqueur in the United States and Germany beginning July 1st.
In both markets, distribution of brands including Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whisky, Bowmore and Auchentoshan single-malt Scotch whisky, and Midori will transition from current third-party distribution arrangements to the company’s own routes to market. As the company’s brands are already distributed together in Japan, the Beam Suntory portfolio will now be combined in markets representing more than 70% of the company’s total net sales.
“This is an important milestone in the integration of the Beam Suntory spirits portfolio,” said Matt Shattock, chairman and CEO of Beam Suntory. “Our sales force and distributors in the important U.S. and Germany markets are excited to begin selling these growing, high-quality premium Japanese and Scotch whiskies, as well as the dynamic Midori brand. And our Beam Suntory marketing team is gearing up to help further build these brands and expand consumer demand. We see the opportunity to build a global Japanese whisky category in the years ahead, and this is the first step.”
The U.S. and Germany mark the first route-to-market transitions since the acquisition of Beam by Suntory Holdings, which was completed on April 30th. “We thank Campari for its distribution support and stewardship of the Suntory brands in the U.S. and Germany over the years,” Shattock added.
Further route-to-market integration is expected to be completed later this year.
About Beam Suntory Inc.
As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the flagship Jim Beam bourbon and Yamazaki Japanese whisky, as well as world renown premium brands including Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek bourbons, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur. The company generates annual worldwide sales of approximately $4.6 billion excluding excise taxes.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and entrepreneurial culture. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.