Editorial
Partner Spotlight: Suntory Oceania
2. Who makes up the Suntory team here in Tasmania, and what does local support look like for our venues? The Suntory Oceania Tasmanian team is a passionate crew of on-the-ground sales and customer support specialists who know the local market and live and breathe the on-premise. Whether it’s helping venues optimise their back bar, supporting seasonal activations, or providing training and insights, we’re here to help venues grow. We also have dedicated trade marketing and category teams working behind the scenes to ensure our brands are supported with the right tools and promotions. • Head of Field Sales – Warwick Parks • Regional Business Manager (VIC & TAS) – Justin McKenzie • Field Sales Manager (VIC & TAS) – Adam Macpherson • Field Sales Manager (VIC & TAS) – Marcus Welch. • Key Account Manager (VIC & TAS) – Britt Coles • Territory Manager (North) - Rob Howell (0403 290 179) • Territory Manager (South) - Tamara Everett (0403 297 390) 3. Which Suntory brands should Tasmanian venues have on their radar right now, and why are they resonating with Aussie drinkers? With so many iconic and well-loved brands in our portfolio (more than 40 brands), Suntory caters to a broad range of consumers and occasions. There’s huge momentum behind our RTD portfolio, which is manufactured and distributed from our brand- new and local, state-of-the-art and carbon-neutral facility. Suntory -196 is shaking up the category with its bold flavour and Japanese-inspired credentials; Canadian Club & Dry continues to be a staple, and our Jim Beam RTD range remains a top performer. These brands all combine sessionability, flavour, and strong consumer recognition, which makes them smart choices for any drinks menu. We also offer a range of premium full bottle spirits, popular with drinkers looking to treat themselves, such as Hibiki Japanese Whisky, Haku Vodka and Roku Gin – with its unique blend of Japanese botanicals. These brands are resonating due to their quality, heritage, and innovative offerings.
With a legacy stretching back over 126 years and a portfolio of some of the world’s most iconic drinks – from Jim Beam and Canadian Club to Roku Gin and V Energy – Suntory has long been a household name behind the bar. Now, with the launch of Suntory Oceania and a dedicated team across Victoria and Tasmania, the brand is doubling down on its commitment to the on- premise scene. The team talks to us about innovation, values, and why Aussie venues should be paying close attention to their ever-expanding portfolio. 1. Can you briefly walk us through Suntory’s history – where it started and how it’s evolved into the brand we see in pubs and bars today? Suntory’s story began in Japan in 1899, founded by Shinjiro Torii and his bold vision to craft western- style liquor suited to the Japanese palate. It wasn’t long before he made history, creating Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki in 1923 – laying the foundations for what would become a global drinks powerhouse.
More than 125 years later, Suntory has grown into a global beverage leader, known for some of the world’s most recognised brands across spirits, ready-to-drink (RTD), and non-alcohol beverages, such as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Canadian Club, V Energy and BOSS Coffee. Although Suntory has evolved with drinkers’ tastes, the business remains family-owned and our commitment to craftmanship, innovation and quality has never wavered. With the launch of Suntory Oceania, we’ve brought together our spirits and non-alc businesses under one roof for the first-time outside Japan—creating a new multi-beverage powerhouse for Australia and New Zealand.
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Tasmanian Hospitality Review June/July Edition
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