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‘The RTD category is big enough that it’s driving total spirits growth’ – Suntory Global Spirits CEO Greg Hughes speaks to Global Drinks Intel – Part I

Jessica Broadbent
Last updated: 18/08/2026 at 4:52 PM
By Jessica Broadbent
10 August 2026
12 Min Read

‘In developed markets, most of the growth in beverage alcohol right now is in RTD. That’s exciting for us.’


Suntory Global Spirits portfolio

Late last week, Suntory Global Spirits posted a flat set of sales numbers for the six months to the end of June. The spirits arm of Japanese group Suntory Holdings pointed to “a great period of growth” from its ‘APAC’ reporting division, including in India and in Japan itself. Speaking exclusively to Global Drinks Intel‘s deputy editor Jessica Broadbent, CEO Greg Hughes provides his take on the Jim Beam owner’s half-year performance.

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Late last week, Suntory Global Spirits posted a flat set of sales numbers for the six months to the end of June. The spirits arm of Japanese group Suntory Holdings pointed to "a great period of growth" from its 'APAC' reporting division, including in India and in Japan itself. Speaking exclusively to Global Drinks Intel's deputy editor Jessica Broadbent, CEO Greg Hughes (below) provides his take on the Jim Beam owner's half-year performance.Did the first half of 2026 go as expected for Suntory Global Spirits? The market environment has certainly been challenging and unpredictable with some

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  • AB InBev
  • Bacardi
  • Campari Group
  • Diageo
  • Moët Hennessy
  • Pernod Ricard
  • Proximo Spirits
  • Suntory Global Spirits
  • William Grant & Sons

TAGGED:SuntorySuntory Global Spirits
Jessica Broadbent
ByJessica Broadbent
Jess joined Global Drinks Intel as deputy editor in January 2026 following a stint as a freelance journalist in Panama. She was previously deputy editor at Just Drinks. She has bylines in other industry titles including The Buyer, Fine Lees and Just Food, and has been a sub-editor at The Daily Mail.
Previous Article Oaksmith IMFL whisky Suntory Global Spirits eyes 2m-case milestone for Oaksmith Indian whisky
Next Article Remy Cointreau portfolio Rémy Cointreau consolidates India distribution, marketing with Monika Alcobev
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