American whiskey drives Beam Suntory’s Q1 sales
Beam Suntory has reported low-single-digit growth in the first quarter of this year, with strong performances from Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and its super-premium Bourbon stable.
Beam Suntory has reported low-single-digit rate growth in the first quarter of 2017In the three months to March 31 2017, the firm noted mid-single-digit sales growth in the US, which drove results in the Americas region.
Beam Suntory reported double-digit gains in South-east Asia, and “strong growth” in EMEA.
Sales in the company’s Japan business – Suntory Spirits Limited – remained “stable”, as the market’s wider economy continues on a path of gradual recovery, with “indications of pickup in consumer spending”.
Strategic whisky brands Chita and Torys Classic delivered “strong growth”, and RTD beverages grew case volumes 11% due to higher consumer demand for -196oC Strong Zero, Horoyoi and canned highball products.
In Japan, Jim Beam accelerated marketing activities behind the Beam Highball.
Overall Suntory Holdings’s alcoholic beverage arm, including wine and beer, dipped 0.3% to 218.2 billion yen in comparison to the corresponding period in 2016.
