Beam takes Brazil distribution in house

Maker’s Mark owner Beam Suntory has established its own distribution channel in Brazil, which it identifies as a “high-potential” emerging market.

Courvoisier owner Beam Suntory will manage the distribution of its portfolio in Brazil from 1 July

From 1 July, the producer will assume management and ownership of its route to market in Brazil, where it says its Jim Beam Bourbon and Teacher’s Scotch brands are “already establishing category-leading positions”.

The firm has used Bacardi to handle its Brazil business for the past five years.

“In pursuit of our objective to be the world’s most admired and fastest-growing premium spirits company, we are focused on building premium brands of scale, particularly in fast-growing markets,” said Pryce Greenow, Beam Suntory president – international. 

“By establishing our own route to market, we are excited to accelerate our performance in Brazil and build an important long-term growth platform.”

Beam Suntory has established its own distribution channels in markets such as China, Mexico, South Korea and South Africa over the past three years.

According to Nadim Assi, the firm’s international chief financial officer and managing director of South and Central America, Brazil will “drive Beam’s business in South and Central America for years to come”.

The group is now planning to expand its offering in the market with the launch of Japanese gin Roku and Japanese vodka Haku.

Beam Suntory is increasing its focus on the emerging markets and recently announced its sales goal of US$1 billion in India, which it hopes to achieve by 2030.