Suntory backs gin in Japan with distillery investment

The Gin Guild welcomes the latest announcement from Suntory Global Spirits regarding its significant investment in gin production and consumer engagement in Osaka, Japan.

The company has committed a total of 6.5 billion yen (£34m GBP) to enhancing the Suntory Osaka Plant, the central production site for its spirits and liqueurs, including Roku Gin. This investment, which includes a previously announced 5.5 billion yen capital expansion and an additional 1 billion yen for a dedicated visitor experience, reflects Suntory’s recognition of the growing global demand for premium gin.

The 5.5 billion yen investment will bolster production capacity and refine craftsmanship, particularly to meet the increasing appetite for gin. This expansion includes the construction of the Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery within the plant, alongside the addition of new maceration tanks and distillation pot stills. These improvements will increase the site’s total production capacity by 2.6 times, and specifically double output for spirits and liqueurs.

A further 1 billion yen will support the development of a world-class visitor experience, with the Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery set to open to the public in spring 2026.

The facility will feature an immersive 360-degree theatre, a viewing deck overlooking the new stills, and a distillery pathway showcasing the seasonal botanicals that define Suntory’s gin portfolio. This initiative underscores a commitment to gin education and consumer engagement, further strengthening the category’s presence in Japan and beyond.

The Japanese gin market has expanded approximately 3.5 times since 2019 and is now valued at an estimated 25 billion yen (2024). Suntory Global Spirits has played a pivotal role in shaping this growth, with a legacy dating back to the launch of Hermes Dry Gin in 1936. The company continues to uphold its dedication to quality craftsmanship and cocktail culture, with the ambition of expanding Japan’s total gin market to 45 billion yen by 2030.

The Gin Guild applauds Suntory Spirits for this commitment to excellence and innovation. This investment not only strengthens Japan’s position in the global gin landscape but also reinforces the enduring appeal of well-crafted gin, reflecting the category’s dynamic evolution and growing consumer interest worldwide.