Suntory Oceania, the partnership between Beam Suntory and Frucor Suntory, has announced that Australia’s “number one” energy drink, V Energy, and favourite alcohol ready to drink (RTD) beverage Suntory -196 will be two of the first brands to be made at its new facility in Queensland.
Once the $400 million manufacturing and distribution facility becomes operational in mid-2024, the site will become home to 18 of Australia’s most popular RTD drinks, including Canadian Club® & Dry, Jim Beam® White Label Bourbon & Cola and the full range of V Energy drinks. Suntory Oceania RTDs will be made on site in Queensland.
RTD is the fastest growing liquor category, growing at 4.8 per cent in value and holding almost 20 per cent share of all liquor sales in Australia[1]. Beam Suntory has been the number one contributor to value growth in the RTD market for the past two years with its iconic Suntory -196, after its blockbuster launch in 2021.
Frucor Suntory Oceania CEO Darren Fullerton says: “Suntory Oceania is well placed to ride the next wave of growth in our existing core markets of alcohol, non-alcohol RTDs and energy drinks. The partnership will unlock further potential and agility in the supply chain – and more strategic portfolio innovation into emerging beverage categories.
“From sunrise to sunset, our new facility will be producing beverages to suit every occasion. There is lots of excitement about the future and the opportunities we can create for the Queensland community.”
As the largest FMCG investment into Australia in the last decade, the $400 million manufacturing and distribution facility will strengthen Suntory’s foothold in Australia with over 160 local roles contributing to the growth of SE Queensland.
Beam Suntory Oceania Managing Director Mark Hill says: “Working alongside our production sites in New Zealand, North America, Europe and Japan, full ownership of our supply chain allows us to respond with greater agility to market needs and expand our capability and capacity. Preparation starts now to ensure the partnership is operational to go to market with our combined portfolio from mid-2025 in Australia and 2026 in New Zealand.”
The announcement of the facility’s planned production scope comes at an exciting time for the site, with construction well underway and on schedule.
Suntory Oceania beverages to be made at the new manufacturing and distribution facility in Ipswich, Queensland from mid-2024:
- Suntory -196 Double Lemon
- Suntory – 196 Double Grape
- Canadian Club® & Dry
- Canadian Club® & Dry Zero
- Canadian Club® Soda & Lime
- Jim Beam® White Label Bourbon & Cola
- Jim Beam® White Label Double Serve Bourbon & Cola
- Jim Beam® Black Double Serve Bourbon & Cola
- Midori Illusion
- V Green
- V Blue
- V Sugar-free
- V Blue Sugar-free
- V Tropical Tang
- V Raspberry Lemonade
- V Refresh Pineapple & Watermelon
- V Refresh Green Apple Lemonade
- V Refresh Citrus Lemon.
Non-alcohol production commences mid-2024, and alcohol production starts in mid-2025.
[1] Circana – Market Edge Liquor Outlook Sept 2023.
