COMPANY HISTORY

1899

Shinjiro Torii starts the Torii Shoten store in Osaka, on February 1 and initiates productions and sales of grape wine.

1907

Akadama Port wine, a sweet grape wine, released.

1923

Construction of the Yamazaki Distillery, Japan's first malt whisky distillery, begun in Yamazaki in the outskirts of Kyoto-marking the first step toward the production of Japanes whisky.

1929

Suntory Shirofuda (white label), Japan's first genuine whisky, introduced.

1931

Suntory whisky exported for the first time to overseas markets.

1946

Torys Whisky re-released after World War II.

1960

Suntory Royal whisky launched to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Company's founding.

1963

Company name changed from Kotobukiya to Suntory Limited.

Musashino Brewery, Suntory's first brewery, established; brewing and sales of Suntory beer initiated.

1978

MIDORI, melon liqueur, marketed in the United States.

Noble rot grape Suntory Château Lion (Noble d'or) and Suntory Château Lion (Noble d'Argent) wines marketed.

1980

Pepcom Industries, Pepsi Cola bottlers acquired and entry made into the U.S. beverage market.

1984

Suntory Single Malt Whisky YAMAZAKI released.

Häagen-Dazs super premium ice cream marketed.

Marketing of Midori, a melon liqueur, extended to Japan as well.

China Jiangsu Suntory Food Co., Ltd. established as a joint venture with China,
and entry made into Chinese beer market.

1989

Suntory HIBIKI whisky launched to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Company's founding.

1990

Suntory Fund for Bird Preservation charitable trust established.

Operation of Cerebos Pacific Ltd. of Singapore initiated by Suntory.

1994

Suntory Whisky HIBIKI 21 Years Old released.

Suntory Single Malt Whisky HAKUSHU released.

Hop's Draft, a pioneer in the happoshu category, introduced.

Suntory Museum Tempozan opened.

Suntory HIBIKI whisky launched to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Company's founding.

1997

Suntory Whisky Royal 12 Years Old and Suntory Whisky Royal 15 Years Old released.

Suntory Whisky Hibiki 30 Years Old released.

Moondust, the world's first blue-toned carnation, introduced.

1998

Following completion of a master franchise agreement with PepsiCo Inc. and acquisition
of master franchise rights for the Pepsi brands in October 1997, marketing activities
initiated by Suntory in Japan.

Nacchan Orange beverage-marketed.

1999

Centennial of Suntory's founding celebrated.

Health Food Division established.

Saishokukenbi, a "body-friendly" wine, marketed.

Magnum Dry happoshu marketed.

Suntory Takasago Plant completed to serve as a beverage production and distribution
base in Western Japan.

2000

Life Partner DAKARA marketed.

2003

Suntory Single Malt Whisky YAMAZAKI 12 Years Old captures a Gold Award at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) in the United Kingdom.

2004

World's first "blue rose" successfully developed through application of biotechnology.

Suntory HIBIKI 30 Years Old whisky becomes the first Japanese whisky to win the Trophy,
the top prize, at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) in the UK.

2005

"Suntory, Bringing Water to Life" instituted as the Corporate Message.

Nacchan Orange beverage-marketed.

2008

Midorie environmental greening business initiated.

Suntory Whisky HIBIKI 30 Years old captures the Trophy, the highest award, at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) for the third consecuctive year, becoming the first four-time winner in
the competition's history.

2009

Frucor Group, a New Zealand-based beverage maker, acquired and consolidated it into the
Suntory Group.

French soft drinks maker Orangina Schweppes Group purchased.

2010

Suntory captures "Whisky Distiller of the Year" honors in U.K. Icons of Whisky Awards
(International Division), becoming the first Japanese company to win the award.

1970’s

Suntory represented in the Australian market with Suntory Whisky, Vodka and Akadama Plum Wine.

1980

Suntory Restaurant opened and Midori launched to the market.

1984

Suntory (Aust) becomes an incorporated company.
Midori & on premise program drives Suntory culture.

1986

Club Suntory Launched.

1988

Suntory Cup launched and is still the longest running bartender competition.

1990's

Distribution brands added with Opal Nera & Frangelico added spearheading growth. Midori Illusion & Midori Splice cocktails take off in the Australian market. Midori WINS cocktail spirit of the year
3 years running at the Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA’s).

2000's

Millennium cocktail shaker launched to celebrate the turn of the century. Successful launch of Midori Illusion & Midori Splice RTD’s on the back of key cocktails. Jagermeister takes off in the Australian market – achieving 100,000 cases. Bowmore, Mozart and Paraiso become part of the Suntory family of owned liqueurs. Suntory cements distribution rights to the Remy Martin portfolio.