The Verdict

Beam Suntory is one of the world’s leading spirit manufacturers and it is no surprise to see them make our shortlist in the ‘Spirits’ category.

Our judging panel were particularly impressed by the company’s commitment to environmental and social change as demonstrated by its ‘Proof Positive’ programme.

This roadmap is made up of three parts focused on nature, the consumer and the community, with each section setting out clear targets. In the ‘Nature Positive’ section the company outlines intentions including a reduction in greenhouse gases and water usage and a commitment to plant trees, in part to compensate for wood used in barrel manufacture. The company is also committing to a use of sustainable suppliers and packaging. On the Consumer side the company is expanding its Drink Smart program including investing $500 million in promotion of responsible decision making including communication and programs focused on lifestyle choices. Finally in the Community section the company has made pledges on improvement of diversity, particularly in managerial positions, and also committed to a target on volunteering hours. With set targets for each aim, timescales and a pledge to update on progress annually, this constitutes an impressive commitment to the company making a positive impact on the environment and its community.

Elsewhere the company also undertook other initiatives, including partnering with a US hospitality charity to release a limited-edition expression of its Maker’s Mark Bourbon brand. All of the sales from the bottles will go to the ‘Let’s Empower Employment’ (LEE) initiative to support a “more diverse and equitable restaurant industry”.

Overview

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory is inspiring human connections. We blend the best of the East with the best of the West, and the result is a unique East-Meets-West culture that manifests itself in our values and our Growing For Good vision: unleashing our Yatte Minahare spirit; delighting our consumers, responsibly; being inspired by our East-meets-West culture; embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion; and giving back to society.

With heritage dating back to 1795, Beam Suntory doesn’t look – or act – its age. Our culture is charged, creative, and challenging, with endless opportunities to “Unleash Your Spirit” every day.

Good corporate citizenship and social responsibility are central to our business, and fundamental to our culture. Beam Suntory launched an enterprise-wide sustainability strategy, ‘Proof Positive,’ representing a more than $1B investment and comprised of long-term commitments to sustainability, including pillars focused on the environment, the wellbeing of consumers, and our communities. As part of this, we are committed to supporting and expanding opportunities for our own people. It’s our aim to reach 50% women in leadership positions globally, 45% racially and ethnically diverse employee representation in the US and achieve industry-leading sense of belonging among employees by 2030. This work is overseen by our Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, supported by a dedicated team, and in concert with a number of empowered employee-driven impact groups and DE&I committees across our global business.

At Beam Suntory, we believe that every voice matters, and we reflect that both internally and externally by celebrating diversity of thought, experience, and culture. We are focused on balancing respect for our rich legacy with creating a sustainable future, which includes fostering an environment where our people can bring their full selves to work, every day.