
Suntory Global Spirits has officially launched as a standalone commercial business in the UK, bringing a practical end to its long term alliance with Edrington UK.
The reorganised company is now directly responsible for the UK sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of spirits brands that includes Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon, Hibiki and Yamazaki Japanese whisky, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky, and Roku and Sipsmith gin.
This changeover was first flagged up in March 2024, when Edrington UK and Beam Suntory announced that after ‘25 years of successful partnership’ they were to end their distribution agreement in the UK, effective from 31st January, 2025.
Later in the spring of 2024, Beam Suntory announced that it would be changing its name to Suntory Global Spirits – and that is the company which has now taken the reins of those brands, under the leadership of Nick Temperley, its managing director for the UK, Ireland & Eastern Europe.
It was suggested that the launch of this new distribution business will ‘significantly increase’ the company’s employee base in the country, with a team anchored in its central London head office, and additional capabilities in Scotland and in key locations across the country.
Temperley will be supported by an experienced UK management team, with ‘decades of experience’ from previous roles across a wide range of consumer products companies.
Temperley said: “We are incredibly proud to begin this new era for Suntory Global Spirits in the UK. We have put together a hugely energetic, experienced and talented team, and they will be out in the market every day, building true partnerships with all our customers.
“Guided by Suntory’s unique East-meets-West approach, we will strive to put quality at the heart of everything we do and build our brands with agility, creativity and care.
He continued: “The UK is a dynamic, sophisticated and competitive market. We see significant growth opportunities within the categories where we are strongest, particularly in Japanese spirits, Scotch and American whiskey.
“We have some of the best loved spirits in the industry and we are looking forward to working in partnership with retailers and hospitality to bring great drinks and great times to the UK market.”
International president of Suntory Global Spirits, Yuri Grebenkin, added: “The launch of Suntory Global Spirits UK is major step forward for our global company, as we continue to expand our footprint and direct capabilities in select European markets.
“We are well positioned to expand our share in key categories, invest in our brands and build meaningful relationships with our European customers and consumers as we aim to become the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company.”