Suntory Oceania has commenced production at its AU$400 million (US$260.8 million) manufacturing facility in Australia, which is set to produce the company’s ready-to-drink (RTD) brands by mid-2025.

Last year, Suntory’s spirits division, Suntory Global Spirits, and its beverage subsidiary, Frucor Suntory, announced the creation of a AU$3 billion (US$1.96 billion) venture in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), bringing together both alcoholic and non-alcoholic products. This collaboration has established Suntory Oceania as the fourth-largest beverage company in the region, according to the Japanese corporation.

As part of the venture, a net-zero facility has been constructed in Ipswich, Queensland, marking the largest investment in Australia’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in over a decade.

Mark Hill, Managing Director of Suntory Global Spirits Oceania, stated that the Queensland site enhances the company’s global production network, which spans North America, Europe, and Japan. He highlighted that the new facility would significantly boost their production capabilities and service to customers.

This 17-hectare facility serves as the primary manufacturing and distribution center for over 40 of the company’s brands. It features storage for more than 50,000 pallets, a high-speed glass production line, and two canning lines capable of filling 180,000 cans per hour.

Initially, the site will focus on producing V Energy, Australia’s top energy drink. By mid-2025, it will also manufacture over 20 RTD brands, including -196, Canadian Club and Dry, and Jim Beam and Cola. Additionally, Suntory’s House of Suntory range, featuring popular products such as Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki whiskies, Roku Gin, and Haku Vodka, will be distributed from Queensland.