Suntory Global Spirits Releases 2023 Sustainability Report
Company showcases strong progress toward Proof Positive goals to help protect natural resources and enrich local communities
NEW YORK, August 7, 2024 – Suntory Global Spirits, a world leader in premium spirits, today released its 2023 Sustainability Report, highlighting the company’s progress against its Proof Positive sustainability strategy and ambitions. Global milestones include restoring over 50 hectares of peatland; using 48% less water in the company’s operations since 2015; reaching over 144 million legal drinking age adults with responsible drinking messaging; and donating nearly 10,000 volunteer hours.
“At Suntory Global Spirits, respecting and protecting our natural resources such as water and grain is fundamental to our business, and we work to achieve the highest levels of craftsmanship for our brands in harmony with nature,” said Greg Hughes, President and Chief Executive Officer at Suntory Global Spirits. “I’m proud of the steps our global teams are taking to contribute to our local communities and promote the responsible enjoyment of our brands. We’re committed to having a positive impact so we can continue to make our premium products and deliver incredible experiences through our brands for generations to come.”
As Suntory Global Spirits looks ahead to achieve its ambition to become the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company, achieving its Proof Positive strategy is a critical element. The 2023 Sustainability Report, titled “Inspiring the Brilliance of Life” in line with the company’s purpose, highlights progress across each Proof Positive pillar, including:
Nature Positive:
• Protected 6,679 hectares of Natural Water Sanctuaries in 2023, including the restoration of an additional 52.4 hectares of peatland.
• Utilized regenerative techniques to farm 17% of the land used to produce its crops and ingredients.
• Ran the world’s first successful trial using only hydrogen to heat the still at our pilot distillery in Yamazaki Distillery.
Consumer Positive:
• Reached over 144 million legal drinking age (LDA) consumers in 2023 with responsible drinking messaging owned or supported by Suntory Global Spirits.
• Ranked as first amongst industry peers, with a compliance rate of 98.5%, by the 2023 Digital Guiding Principles audit by Accenture in recognition of efforts to responsibly market products online.
• Nearly doubled number of products by total volume to include on-pack nutritional data to 7%, compared with 4% in 2022.
Community Positive:
• Increased the percentage of US employees (including leaders) that reflect the diversity of our communities, up to 20.3% in 2023 compared with 15.9% in 2020.
• Donated more than 9,964 volunteer hours, with over 2,000 employees participating across four continents.
• Received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index for the third consecutive year.
To learn more, read the Suntory Global Spirits 2023 Sustainability Report.
About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker's Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.
A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.
Contact
Allison McEneaney
Senior Director, Global Corporate Communications at Suntory Global Spirits
allison.mceneaney@beamsuntory.com