Suntory has announced further investment in its gin production capabilities in Japan, with almost US$43m lined up for the construction of a new distillery in the country.
A total of JPY6.5bn (US$42.9m) has been earmarked for the Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery, which will be located at the group’s existing production facility in Osaka in the south of the country. Referencing its Roku gin brand in this week’s announcement, Suntory, which oversees Suntory Global Spirits as well as its own spirits business in Japan, said the build will “enhance the plant’s total production capacity by 2.6 times, and by twofold specifically for spirits and liqueurs”.
Alongside distillation pot stills, a rendering of which is below, and new maceration tanks, around JPY1bn of the total spend will go towards a visitor experience; The distillery will open to the public in about a year’s time and will include “an indoor deck where visitors can overlook the new distillation pot stills and a pathway to the new distillery that features the essence of each season used in Suntory’s gin products”.
“Japan’s gin market has grown approximately 3.5 times in size from 2019 and is estimated to be worth JPY25bn as of 2024,” the group said. “The company will continue to enhance quality craftsmanship and captivate the customers to further create and expand the gin market, with a goal of driving Japan’s total gin market to expand to JPY45bn by 2030.”
Almost exactly two years ago, Suntory invested JPY10bn [then-US$76.2m] in its Hakushu and Yamazaki Japanese whisky facilities in the country.
The latest announcement comes four days after the company booked a 1% rise in sales from its beverage alcohol operations, including Suntory Global Spirits, for the full 12 months of 2024.
