For Immediate Release – 1/24/2012
Contact: Public Affairs
Telephone: 202-682-8840
Washington, DC – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) announced today to that Suntory International Corp., New York, has joined the trade group, which is composed of most major producers and marketers of distilled spirits in the United States.
“We are pleased to announce that Suntory International Corp., the U.S. Liquor Importer within Suntory Group, has joined the Distilled Spirits Council,” said DISCUS President and CEO Peter H. Cressy. “Suntory is an important global company with a reputation as a supplier of the highest quality beverages. In addition to its outstanding commercial success around the world, Suntory shares our member companies’ strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and open markets.”
Suntory International Corp. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for North America Yoshihiko Kunimoto said, “As one of the world’s largest beverage alcohol suppliers, we are proud to join the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. Our liquor business in the US is still small, however the U.S. represents a very important and growing market for Suntory, and DISCUS is the global leader in advocating responsible public policy for our industry.”
Established over a century ago in 1899 by Shinjiro Torii, Suntory has a proud history of pioneering new businesses and new markets. It was the first to introduce Western liquor culture to Japan and launched Japan’s first whisky business. In 1961, Suntory whisky became the first Japanese whisky to be approved for registration in the United States. Since then, its products have received numerous awards and accolades. In 2010, Suntory has over 25,000 employees in the group and over $22 billion in sales worldwide. It’s best known distilled spirits products include Midori melon liqueur and Suntory whiskies; Yamazaki, Hibiki, and the recently launched Hakushu.
The Distilled Spirits Council is the national trade association representing America’s leading distillers and nearly 75% of premium distilled spirits brands sold in this country. Since 1935, the Council and its predecessor organizations has served as the industry’s voice on public policy and legislative issues in the nation’s capital, state capitals and foreign capitals worldwide. A strong commitment to responsibility is the foundation of every aspect of its policy and programs. Suntory becomes DISCUS’ 13th full member. In addition, it has 56 craft distiller affiliate members in 25 states. For more information, visit: www.distilledspirits.org