Suntory donates AU$500k to Australian wildfire relief efforts

Japanese drinks group Suntory has pledged AU$500,000 (US$347,500) to aid recovery efforts in communities that have been affected by the Australian wildfires.

Australia is the third largest market for Maker’s Mark owner Beam Suntory

A series of wildfires are currently burning across Australia in what is thought to be the worst wildfire season on record.

The donation from Suntory will be split between the Australian Red Cross, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service and the New South Wales Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES).

The funding includes a AU$300,000 (US$207,100) contribution from Suntory Holdings, a AU$100,000 (US$68,761) pledge from Beam Suntory and a AU$100,000 (US$68,761) donation from Australasian drinks arm Frucor Suntory.

“Suntory is grounded in the philosophy of giving back and supporting our communities in times of need,” said Suntory CEO Tak Niinami.“We are inspired by the show of support by the global community and we are committed to those affected by the Australian bushfires as they begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding.”

After the US and Japan, Australia is the third largest market for Beam Suntory, which produces brands such as Jim Beam Bourbon and Courvoisier Cognac.

“We have all been deeply saddened by the spread of these immense fires, which have destroyed lives, towns, homes and wildlife,” said Andrea Parker, managing director, Beam Suntory Oceania.

“We are committed to helping rebuild these communities along with the rest of the Suntory Group.”

Frucor Suntory has donated thousands of bottles of water and beverages to rural fire emergency hubs since September 2019.

Earlier this month, Diageo-owned Bundaberg Rum donated AU$500,000 (US$347,500) to the Australian Red Cross to support communities affected by wildfires raging across the country.