House of Suntory appoints UK ambassador

The House of Suntory has named its new brand ambassador for the UK as Raffaele Di Monaco.

Previously a bar manager for The Berkeley Hotel (The Blue Bar and The Berkeley Bar & Terrace), Di Monaco is known to have a great passion for Japanese spirits. He will ‘champion brand advocacy’ for the House of Suntory portfolio in his new role.

Di Monaco said: “My love and passion for Japanese culture and the Japanese approach to bartending was first ignited at the Asian-inspired establishments I worked at, such as Park Chinois and Hakkasan.

“The opportunity to build on this and be an advocate for the art of Japanese bartending is a dream come true. The House of Suntory portfolio is revered in the drinks world; I am honoured to be the UK brand ambassador for the House of Suntory.”

The new brand ambassador will represent the Suntory brand at trade, press and consumer events, plus promote Japanese culture and bartending techniques across the UK.

Di Monaco will also be taking forward The House of Suntory advocacy program, Dojo, into 2023 and beyond.

Andrea Montague, head of advocacy, Edrington UK, said: “Raffaele is the ideal candidate for the role; having worked in some of London’s highly respected establishments, he has the perfect combination of experience between culture and prestige to champion our diverse House of Suntory portfolio.

“Not only does he have the experience, but he also has the passion for Japanese culture which is crucial to the role. I am looking forward to him joining our talented team of brand ambassadors, strengthening our advocacy work further in the UK market.”

Beam Suntory-owned Courvoisier Cognac recently appointed Beckie Sullivan as its new UK brand ambassador.