Suntory Holdings’ Alcoholic Beverages Segment delivered a resilient first half in 2025, with Japan’s booming spirits, beer, and RTDs countering global challenges. Revenue reached 652.5 billion yen, including liquor tax (down 1.8% year-on-year). Excluding liquor tax, revenue was 491.6 billion yen, down 2.4%, as economic slowdowns in the US and Europe, plus currency fluctuations, tempered results.
In Japan, Kakubin whisky shone, boosting sales and clinching a Gold medal for the second year at the International Spirits Challenge 2025. With actor Yu Aoi as its face since July, its allure grew. Japanese Craft Gin Roku surged with double-digit sales growth, fueled by a new craft distillery at Suntory’s Osaka Plant, operational since June.
The RTD category dazzled, with -196’s sugar-free series posting double-digit growth. THE PEEL (Lemon), blending beer and RTD vibes, sparked fresh demand among crossover fans.
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Beer sales grew 3%, led by Suntory Draft Beer (up 24%) and Perfect Suntory Beer (up 19%), driven by refreshed recipes and 25,500 on-premise outlets offering glass bottles and kegs. The new Non-Alcoholic Department scored with All-Free Clear, a sour “0.00% alcohol” drink winning health-conscious consumers.
Internationally, flagship brands Yamazaki, Hibiki, Toki, Roku, -196, and On the Rocks stayed resilient in China, India, and duty-free channels. Strong performances from India’s Oaksmith whisky and Australia’s new Swanbank RTD facility, launched in July, offset softer demand in the US and Europe, where -196 and On the Rocks expanded with new flavors.
With Osaka’s upgraded capacity and a pipeline of RTD innovations, Suntory is poised for growth. The company’s ability to balance heritage brands with innovative crossovers will be key as competition intensifies, especially in the fast-growing Asian drinks market.
