By Andy Young
Reported sales for Beam Suntory increased by 23 per cent to the 12 months ended 31 December 2015, led by strong momentum from its Bourbon brands.
The company also benefited from mid-single digit organic sales growth and from a full year of results from the acquired Beam Inc business.
In Australia Maker's Mark, Laphroaig and Canadian Club were among the brands that drove particularly strong volume growth, with the company reporting a mid-single digit sales increase for the region.
In the Americas region, comparable sales increased at a mid-single-digit rate. Maker’s Mark bourbon delivered strong volume growth, and Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Laphroaig were among the premium brands that achieved double-digit growth for the year.
The company’s Bourbon brands, led by Jim Beam, gained momentum in the United States in the fourth quarter, benefiting from consumer demand for the core Jim Beam product, as well as the introduction of Jim Beam Apple.
Strong growth for Hornitos tequila and Midori liqueur further added to the full-year results.
In looking forward to 2016, the company said: "The Suntory Group will continue to respond swiftly to changes in the market environment and challenge the creation of new values, while aiming to maintain a harmonious coexistence between society and nature. In addition, we will work to achieve further growth and strengthen profitability as a 'global multi-faceted food and beverage company' by making efforts to expand the synergy between the various companies in the Suntory Group."
The statement added: "Beam Suntory Inc aims to achieve further growth as the world’s number three premium spirits company and outperform its global market. To gain market share, Beam Suntory will continue to invest in the growth of its premium brands and in further strengthening its routes to market."
Last week the managing director of Coca-Cola Amatil's alcohol and coffee division, Shane Richardson, which has a partnership with Beam Suntory, told TheShout that untapping the potential of some of the brands in partnership's portfolio would be key to maintaining impressive growth figures.