Earlier today, Jim Beam owner Beam Suntory posted a 7% rise in sales from the 12 months of 2023. The growth rate is the highest for the year of its publicly-listed spirits brand owner peers to report so far; although CEO Greg Hughes, who only assumed the lead in October, won't accept all the credit just yet.
Global Drinks Intel: What’s your view on Beam Suntory’s latest numbers?
Beam Suntory CEO Greg Hughes: I’d describe them as very solid. We saw key brands like Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Yamazaki [Japanese whisky] drive a strong performance.
‘RTDs are a big part of our future’ – Beam Suntory CEO Greg Hughes speaks exclusively to Global Drinks Intel
On the day that he oversaw Beam Suntory’s first set of results since becoming CEO, Greg Hughes shares his views on the past, present and future of the brand owner with Global Drinks Intel.

Olly has been reporting on the beverage industry as a B2B journalist since 2003. He spent 18 years at Just Drinks, 16 of which as managing editor. Since joining Global Drinks Intel in 2022, he's interviewed the CEOs for brand owners including AB InBev, Campari Group, Carlsberg, Heineken and Suntory Global Spirits and has a bulging contacts book from across beverage alcohol worldwide.



