Japanese beverage group Suntory has officially launched Suntory Oceania, an AUD 3 billion (approx. USD 2.02 billion) multi-beverage business, marking a significant milestone in the company’s regional strategy. With its opening, Suntory becomes the fourth-largest multi-beverage group in Australia and New Zealand, offering a comprehensive portfolio of more than 40 brands across spirits, RTDs, soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee, juice, and water.
The centrepiece of the launch is the state-of-the-art Swanbank production facility in Queensland. Built on a 17-hectare greenfield site in just over two years and costing AUD 400 million (approx. USD 270 million), the carbon-neutral factory is one of the largest FMCG investments in the region in the past decade. At launch, the site can produce 20 million cases per year, with scalability up to 50 million.
The formation of Suntory Oceania follows the decision by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) and Beam Suntory to end their 16-year partnership in Australia and New Zealand. Since 2007 in Australia and 2015 in New Zealand, CCEP had been responsible for the distribution and sales of Beam Suntory’s spirits and RTDs. The dissolution will take effect on 30 June 2025 in Australia and on 31 December 2025 in New Zealand. Both companies cited a successful collaboration and strong market development, especially in the RTD category, but will now pursue separate strategies moving forward.
The Swanbank hub showcases end-to-end manufacturing with advanced technologies from Krones and KHS, including two high-speed canning lines, a multi-format glass bottling line, and a dedicated keg line. The facility handles up to 90,000 cans per hour and supports over 60 SKUs with swift changeovers. Integrated with a 30-metre-high automated storage and retrieval system, the facility aims for minimal downtime and fast dispatch.
Sustainability is embedded throughout the operation, aligning with Suntory’s global “Growing for Good” philosophy. The factory features 7,000 rooftop solar panels, a biomass boiler powered by local sawmill offcuts, a waste heat recovery system, and a power purchase agreement with Queensland’s CleanCo for 100% renewable energy. This infrastructure ensures carbon neutrality from day one.
The launch consolidates previous regional operations under one business unit, combining Frucor Suntory and Beam Suntory. The initiative has created 1,500 jobs and includes newly formed Licensed Route-to-Market and Advocacy teams. The business plans to expand its footprint to New Zealand in January 2026.
Dai Minato, CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, expressed confidence in the region’s potential: “Our mission is to bring the best of Suntory to Oceania and demonstrate the immense confidence we have in Australia’s growth potential.” Mark Hill, Managing Director of Suntory Global Spirits – Oceania, described the local beverage market as “one of the most energetic and innovative in the world,” highlighting the opportunity to “ignite the industry.”
The brand lineup includes premium Japanese whiskies like Yamazaki, Hibiki, and Toki; North American products such as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Canadian Club; and non-alcoholic options including V Energy, Maximus, and Suntory BOSS coffee. The diverse portfolio positions Suntory Oceania to respond quickly to consumer demand in high-growth segments, especially in the RTD and functional beverage categories.
Industry observers expect the Swanbank facility to set new benchmarks for beverage manufacturing in terms of packaging innovation, sustainability, and supply chain efficiency. For local suppliers and partners, the development signals long-term collaboration opportunities and a more resilient, environmentally responsible production landscape.
Dai Minato emphasized that this achievement is only the beginning: “We have immense confidence in what’s to come.”
