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While Courvoisier name is synonymous with our legendary Cognac, Beam Suntory employees in France are putting the name on bee hives as well.
Through a partnership with "Un Toit for les Abeilles," or "A Roof for the Bees," Courvoisier is sponsoring two fields of wildflowers and four bee hives with corporate and employee donations. The total program protects more than 85 million bees in France and Belgium, with nearly 1,400 hives. Courvoisier is one of 462 companies participating in the program, along with nearly 10,000 individuals.
Honey bee populations have long been on the decline in the U.S., in Europe, and around the world for a variety of reasons, including climate change, pesticide use, and invasive species. As pollinators, bees play a critical role to the global food supply chain, and threats to their survival have implications on a variety of food sources, from guacamole to buckwheat pancakes.
Four years ago, Courvoisier General Manager Patrice Pinet was contacted about sponsoring two bee hives and two nearby fields of flowers, so as to protect a nearby food source from pesticide use.
"This was a program that made perfect sense for Courvoisier, and we're so happy to be involved," Patrice said. "It's so fitting for Courvoisier, as the cognac of Napoleon, to help save the bees."
Bees were one of Napoleon's emblem, often wearing them on his clothing, as a symbol of hard work and perfect organization.
After two successful years of sponsorship, the program was expended to employees to make pre-tax donations. Courvoisier doubled the number of hives protected to four, thanks to 20 employees who each contribute monthly. In addition to protecting the local bee population, they’re also getting back jars of “Courvoisier Honey.”
"It's been a fulfilling program for us," said Patrice. "I hope we will develop this engagement in the future in Courvoisier and may be in other facilities around the world if such a potential partnership exists as 'Un Toit Pour les Abeilles' does in France."
Deerfield, IL – Beam Suntory has been awarded multiple medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the most respected and influential spirits competitions in the world. Across its brand portfolio, Beam Suntory took home nearly 40 medals, including eight Double Gold, 10 Gold, 15 Silver and “Best Anejo” Tequila, reinforcing its passion for quality and position as an industry leader across multiple spirits categories.
“We are proud our brands earned such a strong range of impressive accolades at this year’s competition, which is a true testament to the craftsmanship of our distillers and blenders and the quality of the liquids they produce,” said Matt Shattock, Chairman and CEO of Beam Suntory.
More than 1,800 spirits were judged as part of the 2016 SFWSC, which is considered one of the world’s most prestigious tasting competitions.
Beam Suntory’s Double Gold wins at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition include: Hibiki® Japanese Harmony™ Whisky; Hakushu® 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky; Hakushu® 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky; Knob Creek® Bourbon; Laphroaig® 10 Year Old Scotch Whisky; Auchentoshan® Three Wood® Whisky; El Tesoro® Anejo Tequila; and Alberta® Pure Vodka. Top Gold medal recipients include: Yamazaki® Sherry Cask 2016 Whisky; Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey; Courvoisier® Cognac VSOP; Auchentoshan® 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky; Bowmore® 15 Year Old Whisky; Canadian Club® Chairman's Select™ 100% Rye Whisky; and Cruzan® Estate Diamond® Dark Rum.
Beam Suntory’s impressive honors at the 2016 SFWSC add to key wins at several additional competitions. These recent accolades include:
Clermont, Kentucky – March 22, 2018 – Two Kentucky icons are embarking on an alliance to preserve and protect the pristine limestone water in the Clermont area.
Jim Beam, the world’s No. 1 selling bourbon whiskey, and Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest, a 15,625 acre privately held forest just south of Louisville, have joined forces to develop a natural water sanctuary on Bernheim grounds immediately adjacent to the Jim Beam distillery.
Beginning as a one-year agreement, the Natural Water Sanctuary Alliance will protect water quality, restore wildlife habitats, and reintroduce native plants and trees. This group is also working toward a long-term agreement to enhance environmental education, improve watershed protection planning, and secure quality water.
“Great bourbon starts with great water,” said Freddie Noe, eighth generation Beam Distiller. “In fact, the water in Clermont is one of the main reasons my family chose to settle here back in 1795. Jim Beam bourbon gets its distinct and wonderful taste, in part, from the local water, which is filtered naturally through limestone. We’re proud to team up with our neighbors at Bernheim to preserve this vital natural resource.”
The Jim Beam Natural Water Sanctuary Alliance at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest will concentrate on conservation activities across Bernheim, particularly within the Long-Lick and Wilson Creek watersheds. These areas feature large forest expanses, wetlands and the head waters of three creeks and several small lakes that support wildlife, the surrounding communities, and the production of Jim Beam Bourbon.
Through this alliance, Jim Beam will also support Bernheim’s work to protect the federally endangered Indiana Bat, and co-host an annual landowners’ workshop to educate the community and promote best practices in water conservation and forest stewardship.
“The importance of clean water cannot be overstated. It’s essential for wildlife. It’s essential for human life and it’s essential to our economy,” said Mark Wourms, Bernheim’s Executive Director. “We are grateful to have a corporate partner like Jim Beam that values protecting this vital natural resource.”
The Natural Water Sanctuary Alliance is the latest example of Beam Suntory’s dedication to protecting water and the environment, inspired by corporate parent Suntory Holdings, which has established 20 Natural Water Sanctuaries throughout Japan. These more than 20,000 acres of forest protect quality water to supply its facilities, and nurture surrounding communities for many years to come.
“Both the Beam and Bernheim families have deep Kentucky roots and centuries of heritage in the Clermont area,” added Noe. “We have long shared a common respect and love for the land here and we understand the critical role protecting our environment, especially our natural water, plays in our future – not only the future of our business but the future health and well-being of our families, friends and colleagues who call this area home. We feel privileged to be able to give back to the community that has given us so much.”
Deerfield, Illinois, May 24 – Beam Suntory today announced several management changes as well as an evolution of its regional structure that will take effect on July 1.
John Owen, who most recently served as Beam Suntory’s SVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer, has been named SVP, Chief Financial Officer. Owen joined Beam Suntory in 2013 and enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the company’s global supply chain and helped manage the operations integration following the acquisition of Beam by Suntory. Prior to joining Beam Suntory, Owen spent 30 years at Avon Products, during which he built an impressive track record of commercial, finance and supply chain leadership, including serving as CFO of North America and President of EMEA.
“John is a uniquely talented enterprise-wide leader who elevated our global supply chain function, and I’m delighted that we will continue to benefit from his strong leadership, gravitas, people development skill and business expertise,” said Matt Shattock, chairman & CEO of Beam Suntory.
Expansion of International Region & Management Changes in Asia
The company also announced that it will move from a three-region operating structure to a two-region model. As a result, the company will combine its Asia and Japan markets and integrate them into its International Region. The result will be a simpler structure with two balanced regions of similar size and scale – Americas and International.
“This new alignment means we’ll have two dynamic, powerhouse regions with similar economic scale,” Shattock said. “Americas is anchored in the U.S., the world’s most profitable market, where we hold the number two market position, and also includes exciting emerging market opportunities throughout Latin America. International will drive growth in mature markets like Japan and developed Europe, while seizing emerging market opportunities across Asia and Eastern Europe.” The regions are led by Americas president Tim Hassett and International president Albert Baladi.
Concurrent with this move, Windy Koizumi, currently president of Beam Suntory Japan, will be promoted to the newly created position of President, Asia. In this role, to be based in Singapore, Koizumi will have responsibility for Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea and Southeast Asia. He will report to Albert Baladi and remain a member of the Beam Suntory executive leadership team.
“Emerging markets in Asia are one of our most promising long-term growth opportunities, and this alignment will enable greater sharing of best practices from Japan across Asian markets,” Shattock said. “Given the magnitude of the future opportunity in Asia, we are determined to act now to seize the opportunity.”
Succeeding Koizumi as SVP Managing Director of Beam Suntory Japan will be Sho Senba. Senba is a 31-year veteran of Suntory who has held several key leadership roles in the spirits, beer and wine businesses. He currently serves as COO, Group Strategy Planning of Suntory Holdings and Chairman of Suntory China Holdings.
April 3, 2018 – New York, NY – Today, Budweiser and Jim Beam® bourbon toast to the future as they join their 365 collective years of stateside distilling and brewing history to kick off a new friendship and marketing collaboration. The all-American pair will introduce a new taste of history to beer and bourbon fans alike through a cross-merchandising program starting in the spring and a new collaborative brew launching in the fall.
Starting this month, the two brands will begin appearing together at bars and retail venues across the country, just in time for baseball season. Inspired by the “beer and a bourbon shot” occasion, the new on-premise cross-merchandising program will feature Budweiser and Jim Beam bourbon together for the perfect pairing.
Following, in September, Budweiser’s brewmasters and Jim Beam’s seventh generation Master Distiller Fred Noe will celebrate the upcoming 85th anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition with the unveiling of a new limited-edition collaborative brew – Budweiser Reserve Copper Lager. The Copper Lager is brewed with two-row barley and aged on Jim Beam bourbon barrel staves to create a toasted oak aroma and deliciously nutty taste with caramel rye and vanilla notes.
“We are very excited about this partnership not only because both brands share common history but also an obsession for quality and a decade’s long connection to America,” said Ricardo Marques, Vice President of marketing for Budweiser. “This is a truly unique partnership and innovation that will surely drive excitement with our drinkers.”
“This partnership feels especially natural given our brands’ common values and the pivotal roles they’ve both played in American history,” said Rob Mason, Vice President of marketing for Jim Beam. “Our family distillers have produced ‘America’s Native Spirit’ since 1795, using traditions and techniques passed down through the generations. This is another exciting milestone in Jim Beam’s history.”
The World’s most valuable beer brand and the World’s No. 1 bourbon brand share impressive histories of persevering through the Prohibition era while they were not able to produce their signature products. For Jim Beam, it was their fourth generation distiller – James B. Beam – who rebuilt his family’s distillery in a mere 120 days to produce what is today the world’s best-selling bourbon. Similarly, Budweiser kept its doors open through Prohibition by creating other non-alcoholic packaged goods as they waited to bring beer back to America. Budweiser’s Reserve Copper Lager aged on Jim Beam bourbon barrel staves celebrates this important moment for these brands and all Americans.
The partnership between Budweiser and Jim Beam promises to deliver unique product innovations, integrated marketing efforts and a unique way to delight both beer and bourbon fans. The two brands will lean on their incredible American heritage to deliver a modern drinking experience this year and beyond.
Cape Town, South Africa, 23rd April 2018 - Beam Suntory, the world’s third largest premium spirits company, is pleased to announce that it has acquired the remaining 50% shareholding of its South African distributor, ABV Brands, from the company founders, Ross Calow, Daniel Hawkins and Igor Boyadjian. This follows Beam Suntory’s acquisition of a 50% stake in ABV Brands in 2015. The acquisition was completed on 18th April and is effective immediately.
As a result of this acquisition, Beam Suntory assumes full ownership of its route-to-market in South Africa, and the existing ABV Brands team will be integrated into Beam Suntory. Mark Pockele, formerly Beam Suntory’s Commercial Director for MEA, will assume the role of MD following the departure of ABV Brands’ co-founder and current MD, Ross Calow. Dan Hawkins will remain as ABV Brands’ Commercial Director along with the existing management team. There are currently no planned changes to ABV Brands’ portfolio of products.
ABV Brands was founded in 2010 and has been Beam Suntory’s distribution partner in South Africa from the beginning. Since becoming a Beam Suntory joint venture in 2015, ABV Brands has grown the Beam Suntory portfolio by more than 50%, driven largely by Courvoisier Cognac, which has seen triple-digit growth and is now the #2 Cognac brand in South Africa, as well as Jim Beam Bourbon, which has outperformed the whisky category in South Africa with consistent double-digit growth.
Yuri Grebenkin, Beam Suntory’s MD for Alliance & Emerging Markets, commented: “Throughout our eight-year partnership, ABV Brands has demonstrated that it has the market knowledge, the commercial drive, and the passion for our brands to deliver consistent, aggressive growth in South Africa. South Africa is a high-potential emerging market for Beam Suntory, and brands like Jim Beam and Courvoisier are already establishing category-leading positions. We are delighted to welcome the ABV Brands team to Beam Suntory, and we are looking forward to building on their already impressive achievements as one team.
“I’d like to offer our sincere thanks to Ross and Dan for their partnership throughout the years. They built an outstanding business and we are delighted that Dan will continue to drive our commercial strategy in South Africa.”
Dan Hawkins, ABV Brands Commercial Director, added, “ABV Brands is extremely proud of the leadership position we have built in this dynamic market over the past eight years, and we are thrilled to be taking this next step with Beam Suntory and its world-class portfolio of premium brands. We are confident that combining our local expertise with Beam Suntory’s global scale and capabilities will be a winning combination, empowering us to take the business to the next level in South Africa.”
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Nell Murphy
International Communications Director, Beam Suntory
nell.murphy@beamsuntory.com
+44 (0) 7471148209
Chicago, IL (April 24, 2018) – El Tesoro de Don Felipe® Tequila is proud to introduce an exquisite new bottle and label for its core expressions, including El Tesoro™ Blanco, Reposado and Añejo tequilas, that celebrate the brand’s heritage and capture founder Don Felipe Camarena’s time-honored production methods and commitment to the traditional art of tequila making. The new packaging is expected on shelves this May.
Don Felipe established La Alteña Distillery in 1937 in Mexico where the award-winning El Tesoro Tequila is made. El Tesoro has always been “the treasure” of Jalisco, created in celebration of Don Felipe’s most precious asset: his 100% estate-grown agaves, which grow in the rich, red soil of the highlands that create El Tesoro’s distinct agave-forward taste.
“I am proud to make tequila here at La Alteña the same way my grandfather, Don Felipe, made tequila more than 80 years ago,” says Carlos Camarena, El Tesoro Master Distiller. “We believe our practice of making tequila ‘the old-fashioned way’ allows us to craft the tequila we’re proud of – the tequila that allows the full flavor of our estate-grown agave to shine through. My father’s signature is on each label, in honor of my grandfather and the tequila my family has created for generations.”
El Tesoro is a truly authentic tequila made with the knowledge and passion passed down through five generations. Each step of the process requires mastery of a skill and a commitment to quality. It takes true dedication, but the resulting flavor captures the essence of the spirit at La Alteña. These traditional methods include using 100% estate grown agave, allowing the agave to grow longer than most to peak maturity, crushing 100% of the agave with a volcanic tahona wheel to extract and intensify agave flavor and double distilling to proof without ever adding water after the final distillation.
Within this packaging refresh, the exceptional liquid of El Tesoro Tequila remains the same, while the new, artisanal bottle and label more visually communicate the time-honored process and attention to detail that has made El Tesoro a tequila unlike any other. Notable packaging features include the following:
For more information, please visit www.eltesorotequila.com
Chicago, Illinois, May 1, 2018 – Beam Suntory has been named one of “America’s Best Mid-Size Employers” by Forbes magazine for the third consecutive year. The world leader in bourbon is one of three beverage alcohol companies named to this list, and one of only 16 companies in Chicago.
“People are our #1 priority at Beam Suntory, and this is meaningful recognition that our employees have the opportunity to ‘Unleash Their Spirit’ at work each and every day,” said Paula Erickson, Beam Suntory’s Chief Human Resources Officer. “Our placement on Forbes’ list truly underscores global momentum Beam Suntory is building as an employer of choice.”
Beam Suntory was recently named among of Germany’s “Best Places to Work,” for the third consecutive year. The company has also been listed among the “Best Places to Work” in Mexico for six consecutive years, including a No. 2 ranking in the most recent survey. More broadly, Beam Suntory’s parent company, Suntory Holdings, was recognized earlier this year on Fortune magazine’s list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies.”
“Recognition like this doesn’t just happen. People make it happen,” Erickson said. “These honors truly underscore how our people make our company such a great place to work.”
In the past year, Beam Suntory completed the relocation of its global corporate headquarters from Deerfield, Ill., to the historic Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago.
Forbes’ list of “America’s Best Mid-Size Employers” is based on an independent, third-party survey of 30,000 Americans through online panels. Respondents, who work at companies with 1,000 to 5,000 U.S. employees, were asked whether they’d recommend their employer, or any other employers in the industry, to someone looking for a job.
Chicago, IL (June 5, 2018) –EFFEN® Vodka is proud to release a new marketing campaign called “Different by Design,” aimed at celebrating self-expression and diversity. Different by Design launches this month and encourages fans to break convention, welcome creativity and be unapologetically true to themselves.
As part of the campaign’s launch, EFFEN is proud to support Pride month and LGBTQ equality with the release of the brand’s first, limited-edition Pride bottle throughout June. For every limited-edition Pride Bottle made, Beam Suntory donated $1 to Outfest, an organization that promotes LGBTQ Equality by creating, sharing and protecting LGBTQ stories on the screen. The EFFEN Pride bottle is available in more than 30 markets nationwide for a suggested retail price of $21.99/750mL.
“Different by Design aims to honor and support our consumers and what’s important to them in today’s world,” said Stephanie Kang, Marketing Director for EFFEN Vodka. “A unique point of view and fearless, honest self-expression are some of the most powerful tools available to every person, and EFFEN is proud to champion those who embrace that spirit.”
EFFEN Vodka is a super-premium vodka that continues to push boundaries. From its unique distillation and filtration processes, to its distinct bottle design and core values of acceptance and creativity, the brand creates a vodka that delivers superior quality, six versatile flavors and a modern design that is “Different by Design”. The launch of the new campaign illustrates EFFEN’s ongoing commitment to foster a more expressive and inclusive tomorrow.
“The LGBTQ community has always pushed the boundaries of convention. Outfest embraces that heritage and works to assure the stories that reflect our unique experience are seen and heard,” said Christopher Racster, Executive Director for Outfest. “We are incredibly proud to partner with a company that also pushes boundaries and takes creativity, difference and self-expression to heart.”
The “Different by Design” platform will inspire future flavor innovations and experiences in 2018 and beyond. It will also be reinforced through integrated marketing efforts, including print, social, digital and public relations support, in addition to collaborations with creative partners.
To learn more about EFFEN Vodka and “Different by Design,” visit www.effenvodka.com or following EFFEN Vodka on Instagram or Twitter.
Chicago, Ill. (June 12, 2018) – Cruzan® Rum, producer of some of the world’s finest aged rums, is proud to announce the launch of the Island Spirit Fund. Created in the aftermath of the destruction caused by last year’s Hurricane Maria, the Island Spirit Fund supports disaster relief efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands and across the United States, helping rebuild and renew communities impacted by storms of all kinds.
As founding sponsor, Cruzan Rum has committed to donate $1 from every case of rum sold to the Island Spirit Fund, meaning each Cruzan Rum bottle purchased will provide aid to communities in need. This commitment alone is expected to generate nearly $1 million for the Island Spirit Fund this year. Coupled with generous case-matching donation commitments from several distributor partners and anticipated public fundraising, Cruzan Rum aims to raise $2 million for the Fund by the end of 2018.
“Last year, our home island of St. Croix faced many challenges in the devastating wake of Hurricane Maria, but the resiliency of the Crucian people and our sense of community never wavered,” said Gary Nelthropp, Cruzan Rum’s Master Distiller. “That’s what we like to call our ‘island spirit,’ and I’m honored to help extend this spirit to others in a sustainable and ongoing way through the Fund, ensuring that no community, near or far, weathers a storm alone.”
Established in partnership with Global Giving, a nonprofit organization that connects donors with grassroots projects around the world, the Island Spirit Fund provides disaster relief by issuing grants to local organizations with boots on the ground and lasting relationships in affected areas. The Fund prioritizes both short-term recovery and long-term stability projects, including: environmental rebuilding, community planning, and workforce development and job creation. By listening directly to affected communities' needs, the Island Spirit Fund takes a customized approach to providing relief including, but not limited to, nourishment, supplies and volunteer support. In the immediate future, the Fund is focused on the areas still recovering from Hurricane Maria’s devastation and is also prepared to respond to future storms.
“We’re proud to support our Cruzan family and neighbors in the USVI and beyond with the launch of the Island Spirit Fund, and we’re incredibly humbled by the way our distributor partners have stepped up to further our efforts,” said Rashidi Hodari, VP Marketing, Cruzan Rum. “Our roots in the Caribbean run deep, and by joining together, we’re able to provide much needed physical and emotional support beyond the initial days, weeks and months following disaster. We look forward to awakening the ‘island spirit’ both now and in the years to come.”
Individuals interested in making their own contributions to the Fund can do so by purchasing any of Cruzan’s quality rum products or by making a direct donation via IslandSpiritFund.org. In addition to the brand’s case-matching donation program, Cruzan will also absorb the cost of all transactional fees associated with all donations to the Island Spirit Fund, so that 100% of donors’ generosity goes directly to communities in need.
The establishment of the Island Spirit Fund is the most recent effort by Cruzan and its parent company, Beam Suntory, to provide aid to those in need. In 2017, Beam Suntory and its parent company provided more than $2 million in cash and in-kind support for disaster relief in the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands and Mexico, which also included a $500,000 donation to the Fund for the Virgin Islands late last year.
For more information about the Island Spirit Fund and Cruzan’s award-winning portfolio of rums, please visit www.islandspiritfund.org or CruzanRum.com, or engage with us on social media via www.facebook.com/CruzanRum or Instagram @CruzanRum.
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