Suntory launches US$3B multi-beverage business in Australia with carbon-neutral facility 

AUSTRALIA – Japanese beverage giant Suntory has officially launched its new US$3 billion multi-beverage business in the Australian market under the name Suntory Oceania.  

The initiative positions Suntory as the fourth largest multi-beverage group in the region, encompassing end-to-end operations for a diverse portfolio that includes spirits, ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages, coffee, juice, soft drinks, water, sports, and energy drinks. 

First announced in August 2023, the launch follows significant investments including a US$400 million transformation of a greenfield site into a carbon-neutral beverage manufacturing facility located in Swanbank, Queensland.  

This state-of-the-art plant is designed to produce 20 million cases annually, with scalable capacity for up to 50 million cases in the future. 

Dai Minato, CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, emphasized the group’s commitment to the Australian market, highlighting the rapid development of the facility and the establishment of a new commercial and supply chain model in just over two years.  

He reiterated the company’s focus on delivering growth and innovation across the Oceania region. 

Suntory Oceania currently employs 1,500 staff and is strategically aligning with Australia’s fast-growing beverage segments. Alcoholic RTD beverages are growing at 8.65% annually, while energy drinks are projected to grow at 5.6%.  

The company’s product range includes over 20 RTD offerings, such as Suntory -196, Canadian Club, and Jim Beam, as well as the full V Energy portfolio—all now being produced at the Swanbank facility. 

Mark Hill, Managing Director of Suntory Global Spirits – Oceania, described Australia as one of the most dynamic and innovative beverage markets globally.  

The launch is part of Suntory’s broader Oceania strategy, with expansion into the New Zealand market planned for January 2026. 

Meanwhile, Suntory Global Spirits recently halted a hydrogen energy project in Scotland intended to support its decarbonization goals at the Auchentoshan distillery, citing unspecified challenges.  

Despite this setback, the Australian investment underscores the company’s continued push toward sustainability and global market leadership. 

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