Suntory Oceania has begun production at its AU$400 million (US$260.8 million) facility in Australia, with plans to manufacture its ready-to-drink (RTD) brands by mid-2025. Underpinned by quality, craftsmanship and a strong sense of purpose, Suntory's spirits division, Suntory Global Spirits, teamed up with its beverage subsidiary, Frucor Suntory, last year.
The brand is also known for its sustainable initiatives, like incorporating 100 per cent recycled aluminium cans for its limited edition drinks. A key part of the upcoming RTD venture is constructing a net-zero facility in Ipswich, Queensland, marking the largest investment in Australia's fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in over a decade.
The partnership was done to form an AU$3 billion (US$1.96 billion) venture across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), combining both alcoholic and non-alcoholic offerings. According to the Japanese parent company, this collaboration has positioned Suntory Oceania as the fourth-largest beverage company in the region.
About the new facility
Spanning 17 hectares, this facility will serve as the leading manufacturing and distribution hub for over 40 Suntory brands. It includes storage for over 50,000 pallets, a high-speed glass production line, and two canning lines capable of filling 180,000 aluminium cans per hour.
Mark Hill, Managing Director of Suntory Global Spirits Oceania, emphasised that the new Queensland facility strengthens the company's global production network, which includes operations in North America, Europe, and Japan. He noted that the site will significantly enhance Suntory's production capacity and improve customer service.
Initially, the facility will focus on producing V Energy, Australia's leading energy drink. By mid-2025, it will manufacture over 20 ready-to-drink (RTD) brands, including -196, Canadian Club and Dry, and Jim Beam and Cola. Additionally, products from Suntory's House of Suntory collection, such as Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki whiskies, along with Roku Gin and Haku Vodka, will be distributed from this location.
“Our Queensland operation will be entirely carbon neutral. This commitment to sustainability and Growing for Good goes to the heart of Suntory’s DNA and I’m so proud that we can deliver on this commitment here in Oceania,” said Darren Fullerton, CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania.
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