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Suntory creates UK arm
By Lauren BowesNick Temperley, managing director – UK, Ireland and Eastern Europe, will lead the newly created Suntory Global Spirits UK.

The company will be directly responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of Suntory Global Spirits’s portfolio in the UK, including Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Hibiki and Laphroaig.
The move was originally announced in March 2024, with the partnership between Edrington UK and Beam Suntory ending on 31 January 2025.
Beam Suntory rebranded itself as Suntory Global Spirits in May of the same year.
Temperley said: “We are incredibly proud to begin this new era for Suntory Global Spirits in the UK. We have put together a hugely energetic, experienced and talented team, and they will be out in the market every day, building true partnerships with all our customers.
“Guided by Suntory’s unique East-meets-West approach, we will strive to put quality at the heart of everything we do and build our brands with agility, creativity and care.
“The UK is a dynamic, sophisticated and competitive market. We see significant growth opportunities within the categories where we are strongest, particularly in Japanese spirits, Scotch and American whiskey.
“We have some of the best-loved spirits in the industry and we are looking forward to working in partnership with retailers and hospitality to bring great drinks and great times to the UK market.”
A significant portion of Suntory Global Spirits’ portfolio is created in the UK, including Scotch whiskies Laphroaig, Bowmore, Ardmore, Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch and Ardray, as well as gin brand Sipsmith.
The firm said the new distribution business will ‘significantly’ increase the company’s employee base in the UK, with a team to be anchored at a central London head office, with additional capabilities in Scotland and in ‘key locations’ across the country.
Yuri Grebenkin, Suntory’s president of International, added: “The launch of Suntory Global Spirits UK is a major step forward for our global company, as we continue to expand our footprint and direct capabilities in select European markets.
“We are well-positioned to expand our share in key categories, invest in our brands and build meaningful relationships with our European customers and consumers as we aim to become the world’s most admired premium spirits company.”
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