Suntory CEO lays out plans for India division

Suntory Holdings CEO Takeshi Niinami has said the company’s Indian division will make up “more than 10%” of the business.

Suntory Holdings announced the establishment of Suntory India Private Limited on 27 June, noting that the new company would commence operations in July.

The Japanese brewer and distiller said the new branch would “cover corporate functions required to build a firm business foundation and accelerate growth in its existing spirits business”.

Suntory also hopes the Indian market will provide opportunities for soft drinks as well as its health and wellness businesses.

“We are delighted to unveil a new base of Suntory Holdings in India, a country with a large population and a rapidly growing economy,” Takeshi Niinami, president and CEO of Suntory Holdings, said in a statement.

“India is a remarkably attractive market and a key geopolitical player on the global stage, with strong cultural and economic ties with Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Together with our spirits business, Suntory Global Spirits, we will enhance our presence as a multifaceted beverage company in this vital market by supporting our soft drinks and health & wellness businesses to build foundations in India through investments and partnerships.”

Speaking to CNBC yesterday (8 July), Niinami revealed that the company plans to focus on domestic demand in the short-term, before expanding to use Suntory India as a “hub” for markets in Africa, elsewhere in Asia and the Middle East.

“The Indian market is always asking for something new nowadays — their appetite is a lot. So we would like to change our posture to be able to work with the pace of India,” he told the news channel.
Niinami also revealed that in the next five to 10 years, the company hopes its Indian arm will make up a double-digit proportion of the business. “More than 10% is our goal,” he said when asked about long-term plans in India.