Suntory

US-based spirits producer Beam Suntory is planning to distribute Suntory Japanese and Scotch whiskeys and Midori liqueur in the US and Germany, beginning 1 July.

The company will distribute various whiskey brands including Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskey, Bowmore and Auchentoshan single-malt Scotch whiskey.

Midori liqueur, which was earlier distributed by third party distributors, will now be distributed through the company’s own routes to market.

The company’s portfolio will now represent more than 70% of its total net sales.

Beam Suntory chairman and CEO Matt Shattock said, "Our sales force and distributors in the important U.S. and Germany markets are excited to begin selling these growing, high-quality premium Japanese and Scotch whiskies, as well as the dynamic Midori brand."

Beam Suntory plans to complete the further route-to-market integration by the end of this year.

Beam has been renamed to Beam Suntory, following its acquisition by Japanese beverage company Suntory, in a deal worth $16bn.

Beam Suntory will be integrated with the spirits business of Suntory Liquors by the end of 2014.

In January 2014, Suntory and Beam have signed a definitive agreement under which Suntory has agreed to acquire all outstanding shares of Beam for $83.50 per share.

Image: Beam Suntory will distribute Suntory whiskey brands in the US, Germany. Photo: courtesy of Beam Suntory Inc.