Beam Suntory Inc.’s comparable sales increased at a mid-single-digit rate in the first half, parent company Suntory Inc. reports. Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark demonstrated double-digit global growth driven by rising consumer demand and favorable share trends across key markets, it added.
That mid-single-digit rate of Beam Suntory was better than the parent company as a whole, which includes not only alcohol beverages but other products in Japan, including Haagen-Dazs ice cream. The company said sales rose 1.6% overall in the first half. Net income soared, however, 32.5%.
Mid-single-digit sales growth in the United States, led by especially strong performance for brands including Jim Beam, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Hornitos, drove results in the Americas region.
In the International region, strong sales growth was fueled by rising global demand for Jim Beam and excellent performance for the company’s brand portfolio in Europe, Southeast Asia and other markets.
The company’s Japan business (Suntory Spirits Limited) saw 5% year-on-year growth in sales. Among whiskies, strategic brands Chita and Torys (Classic) delivered strong growth. Jim Beam in Japan accelerated marketing activities behind the Beam Highball. Hibiki 21 years old earned further acclaim as the Supreme Champion Spirit at the International Spirits Challenge 2017 in July.
RTD beverages grew case volumes 13%. -196ºC Strong Zero expanded demand as consumers increasingly pair the refreshing brand with food. In addition, Horoyoi, Kokushibori Premium and canned highball products grew significantly.
Suntory Beer Limited sold 33.05 million cases*1 (flat year on year), while the overall market is estimated to be down about 1% year on year. The market share of the Company’s beer-type beverages*3 was 15.9% (based on shipping volumes taxable by the National Tax Agency).
Suntory Wine International Limited’s sales were higher year on year. In Japan, sales volume of the Sankaboshizai Mutenka brand were up 14% year on year. New imported wine products Dark Horse and Santa Premium were introduced to the mid-high value products, which performed well.
As a result of the above, net sales for the Alcoholic Beverages Segment were 480.5 billion yen, up 3.1% year on year, and operating income was 41.9 billion yen, up 6.1% year on year.