Welcome to Beam Suntory
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"This is great news for the hard working men and women who produce Bourbon whiskey and for consumers in the UK. Tariff-free spirits trade benefited trading partners on both sides of the Atlantic for more than two decades prior to the imposition of the retaliatory tariffs, so the removal of these tariffs will enable Bourbon to resume a great American export success story. Beam Suntory appreciates the efforts of the Biden Administration, all in Congress who advocated for this outcome, and their counterparts in the UK who championed this agreement."
With Industry-Leading Environmental and Community Focused Efforts,
Iconic Kentucky Bourbon Joins a Growing Global Movement of Companies Using Business for Good
LORETTO, KY (January 26, 2022) – Maker’s Mark has earned B Corporation Certification, making it the largest distillery in the world and the first in Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Country to achieve the distinction, which recognizes companies working to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. The B Corp Certification affirms years of industry-leading efforts by Maker’s Mark intended to benefit the greater good and signals a major milestone on the brand’s environmentally conscious mission to “Make Your Mark. Leave No Trace” – now and for the future.
“Since 1953, my grandparents instilled a sense of responsibility here at Maker’s Mark that started with the way we make our bourbon and extended to the way we impact the lives of our teams, our customers, our communities and our shared environment,” said Rob Samuels, 8th Generation Whisky Maker and Grandson of the Founders at Maker’s Mark. “That commitment to a higher purpose continues to live on, both here in Kentucky and beyond. I am so proud of our team’s tireless efforts that have earned us B Corp certification, and I’m even more excited to continue pioneering social and environmental initiatives that benefit the future of bourbon and greater good for all.”
Maker’s Mark achieved B Corp Certification by meeting and exceeding rigorous benchmarks across five categories of the B Impact Assessment: Community, Customers, Environment, Governance and Workers. Key efforts recognized as part of the scoring and certification include the following:
B Corp Certification is just one step Maker’s Mark is taking to “Make Your Mark. Leave No Trace,” as part of its long-term environmentally-focused mission which couples bold, regenerative actions with comprehensive efforts to leave nothing harmful behind. Beyond the initiatives assessed as part of B Corp Certification, Maker’s Mark has introduced several innovative efforts to create a more sustainable future for the spirits industry, including the establishment of the world’s largest repository of American White Oak trees for research purposes; a first-of-its-kind genome mapping project of the American White Oak species; and regenerative farming practices to enrich soil for more robust and flavorful varieties of grain.
Maker’s Mark joins more than 4,000 Certified B Corporations around the world – including Patagonia, Allbirds, Burton Snowboards and Sipsmith® Gin – that meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability. Aspiring to use the power of business to address social and environmental issues, B Corps become certified through rigorous verification by B Lab and undergo verification every three years. The Certification is designed to help consumers identify companies with a mission that align with their values.
For more information about Maker’s Mark and its efforts for good, visit www.MakersMark.com.
For more information about B Corp visit www.Bcorporation.net.
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Media Contacts:
Maker’s Mark // EVINS Communications: Drew Tybus
Email: Drew.Tybus@evins.com
Phone: 212-377-3597
About Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
In 1953, in Loretto, Ky., Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a "commodity" into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker's Mark continues to make its bourbon the same way. That time-tested approach seems to still be working just fine 60+ years later, as Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon was awarded a Double Gold medal at the esteemed San Francisco Spirits Competition in 2021. In recent years, Maker's Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker's Mark 46, Maker's Mark Cask Strength and Maker's Mark Private Selection, the brand's first-ever custom barrel program. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com.
About B Corporation
Certified B Corporations meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, legally expand their corporate responsibilities to include consideration of stakeholder interests and build collective voice through the power of the unifying B Corporation brand. There are more than 4,000 certified B Corporations from over 150 industries and over 75 countries, representing a diverse multi-billion-dollar marketplace with 1 unifying goal.
About B Lab
B Lab is transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. A leader in economic systems change, our global network creates standards, policies, tools, and programs for business, and we certify companies—known as B Corps—who are leading the way. To date, our community includes 280,000 workers in over 4,000 B Corps across 77 countries and 153 industries, and more than 150,000 companies manage. To learn, visit www.bcorporation.net.
WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY. PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY.
Maker's Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 45% Alc./Vol. ©2022 Maker's Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY.
March 08, 2022 - Beam Suntory has suspended shipments to Russia. The company, together with the broader Suntory Group, has committed $600,000 to international charities working to address the humanitarian crisis. Beam Suntory will additionally match all employee donations.
Jun Asaki is SVP Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer of Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits. In his role, Asaki has responsibility for corporate strategy, corporate development and Beam Suntory’s enterprise transformation agenda.
Asaki joined Suntory Group in 2021 as Deputy Division COO, Global Business Development Department. He joined Suntory from Mitsubishi Corp, where he served for more than 30 years in roles of increasing responsibility, in Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States, including General Manager, Head of Infrastructure Finance Department, Industrial Finance Division and Senior Vice President, Head of Industrial Finance & Development Group (Americas) and ultimately serving as Head of the Urban Development Group (Americas).
During his career with Mitsubishi, Asaki also spent six years at Lawson CS Card, including three years as President & CEO.
Asaki holds degrees from The University of Tokyo and INSEAD’s Advanced Management Programme. Based in New York City, Asaki and his wife Chihoko are parents of three children.
New role will advance Beam Suntory’s vision of creating a global brand led organization that is putting its brands at the heart of the business.
CHICAGO and LONDON, February 28, 2022 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, has named Jerry Daykin Vice President – Global Media. In this role, Daykin will advance the transformation of Beam Suntory’s media strategy to deliver on its premiumization and growth ambitions by further elevating the company’s brands onto a global stage to receive the iconic status that they deserve.
Daykin’s hire will help enable Beam Suntory’s premiumization journey. Driven by a unique value-creation model, the work begins with consumer centricity, relies on incredible quality and superior storytelling, key to Daykin’s role, and ends with executional excellence across consumer touchpoints. This superior storytelling is made possible by a culture that is empowering its people to unlock the histories of the company’s premium brands, which are deeply authentic and personal, to fuel more powerful global consumer engagement and build the future of Beam Suntory.
Based in London, Daykin will advance Beam Suntory’s global digital transformation with a media playbook that equates Beam Suntory with a premium house of brands, and leverages their ability to captivate consumers on a global scale. He will be supported by a team of digital and media leaders who represent new talent to the business, reflective of Beam Suntory’s mission to hire the brightest, most passionate and deeply human and empathetic leaders who are central to realizing its vision of putting its brands at the heart of the business.
“Jerry is an excellent example of how we are enabling transformative leadership through an organizational structure that unleashes creativity and limitless possibilities for human connection and growth,” said Jessica Spence, President of Brands. “Recognized as a global leader with a track record of driving brand growth through digital media transformation, Jerry shares our fundamental belief in the business model that brands create value. As we shake things up to unleash the full potential of our brands, Jerry will help to further evolve our global media capabilities and partnerships by putting our brands at the heart of the business and bringing their incredible legacies into the future.”
Daykin’s breadth of experience encompasses leading global media strategy and partnerships for Diageo where he pioneered the company’s ‘Trusted Marketplace,’ an approach that increases the quality and impact of a brand’s media, as well as co-developed its ‘Future Media Model.’ Most recently he led digital media transformation for GSK Consumer Healthcare across more than 50 EMEA markets, and served as the global co-lead of GSK’s #RepresentationMatters initiative to drive more diverse and inclusive marketing.
A strong believer in the impact that media and marketing can have on society, Daykin co-chairs the World Federation of Advertisers’ (WFA) Diversity Task Force where he is helping to steer the industry’s efforts to improve diversity and inclusion and mitigate bias across the creative process. In addition, he is writing a book on inclusive marketing that is scheduled to publish in October 2022. A passionate advocate for increasing diversity, representation and inclusion within media and marketing, Daykin will lead by example by instilling in his teams that each person has access to a blank canvas and the unique opportunity to play a role in designing a deeply human experience that has yet to be consumed by today’s global market.
"I'm thrilled to be joining a business so determined to accelerate its global digital media transformation, with premium brands that have a right to win, and working back in a category I love,” said Daykin. “Media has the potential to be a growth driving competitive advantage, with a socially conscious presence that funds a positive content landscape around it, and we'll be building a team to scale that globally. The Beam Suntory experience is deeply human, and we will translate that into real life experiences for consumers across each and every brand.”
About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark® bourbon brands and Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks® Premium Cocktails.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.
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© 2022 Beam Suntory, Inc., Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60654
“I grew up on the South Side of Chicago. I saw a lot of people in my community either not trusting doctors or being misinformed about healthcare. In undergrad, one of my projects in a public health class was asking students at a predominantly white institution (PWI) and a historically Black college (HBCU) the first word or phrase they thought of around a specific health issue. Students at the PWI focused more on hope and understanding. Whereas students at the HBCU pointed more to fear, hopelessness, and inequity. There was a clear disparity. That’s how I developed a passion to help increase the health literacy of people in underserved communities. It’s what led me to pursue a career in communications and get a Master’s in Health Communications. After graduating, I put on a health fair, called The Art of Health, in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. It was sponsored and funded by a Chicago non-profit who also provided me with a few trainings. The experience left an imprint on me, in more ways than one.
One of the things I’ve come to understand is information is power. And access to it can empower people, give them important tools, and sometimes, help solve critical issues. But it’s important that the information is communicated clearly, in a way that people feel connected to the message and know how to act.
At Beam Suntory, I’m constantly challenging myself to consider the message receiver – we have people around the world. Whether it’s to sign up for health benefits or set career goals, I like to find creative ways to communicate and engage employees to act. I like the variety and the challenge. It's not just writing emails or, you know, creating PowerPoints. It's strategizing the best way to roll out important information. And what’s great is I’m comfortable sharing new ideas and have a decent amount of autonomy to test them out, which is something I've never had before.
As part of the Beam Suntory’s Together for Good, I led one of our volunteer events at a local food pantry. We were sorting and packing food like a well-oiled machine. It was surprisingly fun! What I realized through the experience is while I’m no longer in the healthcare industry, I can still have a positive impact. It reignited my drive to get back to my community and serve those in need – and I can do it in the way I want.”
- Jamal Spraggins, Corporate Communications Specialist & Co-Creator of People of Beam Suntory, USA
Net sales rose 11% globally on strong consumer demand for brands including Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden®, Courvoisier®, Hibiki, Laphroaig®, Roku and On The Rocks™
CHICAGO, February 18, 2022 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, reported full-year 2021 results, with sales up 11% globally. These results also demonstrated strong growth versus the pre-pandemic year of 2019, with sales also up 11% over the past two years.
The company’s 2021 results were led by sustained strength in off-premise sales, and very strong performance in markets where bars and restaurants reopened faster than expected. Markets including Germany, Russia, Spain, emerging Asia and Global Travel Retail all grew at double-digit rates, as did China and India, key markets for Beam Suntory’s future growth ambitions. Sales in the U.S. grew high-single digits, bolstered by robust demand for premium brands. Sales in Japan, up mid-single-digits, benefited from strong demand for convenient ready-to-drink beverages like -196˚, but were impacted by extended on-premise restrictions.
By brand, results underscore the strength of consumer interest in premium brands. Sales grew double digits for brands including Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, Booker’s® and Legent™ bourbons, Laphroaig®, Bowmore® and Auchentoshan® scotches, Hibiki®, Hakushu® and Toki™ Japanese whiskies, Sipsmith® and Suntory® Roku gins, and El Tesoro™ and Hornitos® tequilas, while On the Rocks™ (acquired in 2020) continued to show exceptional growth. Beam Suntory’s flagship Jim Beam® also demonstrated solid growth despite glass supply constraints affecting certain bottle sizes.
“We’re immensely proud of the results our business has been able to deliver in the face of historical challenges related to the pandemic, including on-premise closures and supply chain constraints,” said Albert Baladi, president & CEO of Beam Suntory. “Our results underscore the strength of our premiumization strategy that relies on exceptional quality, superior storytelling, and executional excellence across consumer touchpoints.”
“Our confidence in the future is reinforced by the strategic moves we’re making, with accelerated investment in our business -- including capacity, capabilities and our sustainability agenda -- the 2021 acquisition of our route to market in Spain, and our upcoming joint innovations with Boston Beer. The people of Beam Suntory look forward to delivering another year of outstanding performance in 2022.”
Beam Suntory launched Proof Positive in 2021, the company’s comprehensive sustainability strategy, representing a $1 billion+ commitment to making a positive impact on nature, consumers and communities.
Key Proof Positive developments during 2021 include:
More information on Proof Positive is available here.
About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark® bourbon brands and Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks® Premium Cocktails.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.
“A lifetime goal of mine is to write a song that I'll hear performed by an artist on the radio. I’ve been writing songs for about 15 years. I haven't been published yet, and there was a point in my life where I got so frustrated that I began to feel like maybe I was wasting my time. But songwriting is something I love because it’s an expression of myself, and simply gives me joy. I love music and enjoy the challenge of trying to distill an idea into something that's compelling. I really like the creative process. Sometimes, my work is like an artistic endeavor where I start something on a piece of paper and then rewrite it until it’s just right, sort of like songwriting. I think there's this assumption that a creative person just plucks an idea out of thin air and then they just plop it onto a piece of paper, and it's done. Whereas I think of it as a process, where you mull an idea in your head, then write it and rewrite it. Like songwriting, work is a journey of ideas, feedback, and revisions, especially when collaborating with a team.
When I worked on Courvoisier, within two years we turned the brand around to gain share in Canada. It wasn't like I had one idea, wrote it down, and done. It was a journey of collaborating with colleagues and agency partners, trying things out, and if something didn't work - going back and refining it. Working through that was like coming up with a song, then coming up with a full-fledged band where everybody was doing their part to activate and build visibility of Courvoisier. Working at Beam Suntory allows for a lot of teamwork and collaboration. People sometimes think of it as an army or sports team, but I think of my team as a band. When working on a project, we’re all playing together off the same song sheet and everybody has a different role within the band, working towards creating something amazing.”
– Lisa Li, Senior Brand Manager, Canada.
Maker’s Mark “Whisky Flights” Program Gives Bourbon Lovers the Chance to Get Their Checked Bag Fees Reimbursed – Up to $50,000 Total – To Ease the Burden and Seasonal Stress of ‘Holiday Baggage’
LORETTO, KY (December 15, 2021) – Iconic Kentucky bourbon Maker’s Mark today announced the inaugural take-off of “Whisky Flights,” a spirited promotion designed to help lighten the load of travelers’ ‘extra baggage’ this holiday season. The beloved whisky producer is encouraging holiday travelers to spend more time sipping and savoring every precious moment with family and friends, by offering the chance to have Maker’s Mark cover the checked bag fees of those packing a bottle of bourbon to bring home. The program, which aims to ease some of the hassle, cost and inconvenience of holiday travel for America’s bourbon loving spirits drinkers, runs from December 15 through December 31, 2021. Travelers 21+ can hurry over to https://whiskyflights.makersmark.com/ to upload an eligible checked-baggage receipt for the chance to have Maker's Mark reimburse their checked-baggage fee, with up to $50,000 of fees covered by the brand during the promotion period.
“As a family-led brand since our inception in 1953, we've always believed that the perfect holiday moment starts with you, your loved ones and a bottle of bourbon to share, and we wouldn’t want anything to get in the way of that quality time,” said Rob Samuels, 8th Generation Whisky Maker and Grandson of the Founders at Maker’s Mark. “We know you can’t bring a bottle of Maker’s Mark Bourbon in your carry-on luggage, so we’re encouraging folks to check a bag on their next holiday-bound flight so they can bring a little spirit home to share. We’ll pick up that pesky fee for some lucky travelers.”
By taking care of the extra baggage of the 2021 festivities, Maker’s Mark aims to help travelers come prepared with bourbon in tow, so they can focus on more important things this holiday - like safely and joyfully coming together with loved ones after months apart to toast the moment. Whether the rest of the suitcase is filled with homemade treats, a new kitchen gadget for mom or dad or outfits for every occasion, your chance to get your bag fee covered by Maker’s Mark is simple:
1. Fly over to https://whiskyflights.makersmark.com/ between December 15 – December 31, 2021
2. Check-in and upload your eligible airline checked bag receipt
3. Wheels up! Maker’s Mark is reimbursing up to $50,000 in luggage fees this holiday season
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, be sure to check out www.MakersMark.com for delicious cocktail recipes to sip and savor throughout the holidays (and beyond!).
NO ALCOHOL PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 21+ to enter. Void outside the U.S. and where prohibited. Subject to complete official rules located at www.whiskyflights.makersmark.com. Sweepstakes begins December 15, 2021 and ends December 31, 2021. Limit one (1) entry per person during the promotion period. Each winner will be reimbursed the value of one (1) checked luggage receipt up to Forty Dollars ($40.00). The Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of each prize is Forty Dollars ($40.00). The total ARV of all prizes awarded in this Promotion is Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00).
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Media Contacts:
Maker’s Mark // EVINS Communications: Pamela Pincow
Email: Pamela.Pincow@evins.com
Phone: 516-884-6929
About Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
In 1953, in Loretto, Ky., Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He
decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and
sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. Bill
Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a "commodity" into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker's
Mark continues to make its bourbon the same way. That time-tested approach seems to still be working just
fine 60+ years later, as Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon was awarded a Double Gold medal at the
esteemed San Francisco Spirits Competition in 2021. In recent years, Maker's Mark has introduced thoughtful,
super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker's Mark 46, Maker's Mark Cask Strength and
Maker's Mark Private Selection, the brand's first-ever custom barrel program. For more information,
visit www.makersmark.com.
About Beam Suntory Inc.
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners
of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands
and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden, Knob Creek and
Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore
Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith
and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese
whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing
for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of
Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please
visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.
WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY. PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY.
Maker's Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 45% Alc./Vol. ©2021 Maker's Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY.
Must be legal drinking age to enter this site.