From a small Osaka shop to a global spirits empire, the story of Suntory.

Food & Drink · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Suntory began in 1899 as a modest store selling imported wine. Today, it is a global powerhouse behind iconic brands like Jim Beam and Maker's Mark. Beyond spirits, the company has ventured into genetic engineering, museum curation, and even wave-powered catamarans, proving that a century of ambition knows no bounds.

Founded by Shinjirō Torii in Osaka on February 1, 1899, the business originally operated as Torii Shōten. Torii’s early success came from selling Akadama port wine, a fortified drink named after the red sun. By 1923, the company had established the Yamazaki Distillery, marking the birth of Japan’s first malt whisky production. The name 'Suntory' was officially adopted in 1963, blending the English word for sun with the anglicized version of the founder's surname, Tory.

The company's expansion strategy has been defined by bold acquisitions and cultural influence. In 2014, Suntory acquired the American bourbon producer Beam Inc. for US$16 billion, positioning itself as the world’s third-largest spirits maker. This followed earlier international moves, such as the 2009 purchase of Orangina-Schweppes for 300 billion yen. Suntory has also maintained a unique cultural footprint, from sponsoring the Suntory Sungoliath rugby team to operating the Suntory Museum of Art in Tokyo. Their marketing history is equally storied; in the 1970s, they pioneered the use of American celebrities like Sammy Davis Jr. in Japanese commercials, a legacy that famously inspired Sofia Coppola’s film Lost in Translation.

Suntory’s reach extends far beyond the bar. In the early 1990s, the company began collaborating with the biotechnology firm Florigene to genetically engineer a blue rose, a feat previously considered impossible. By 2004, they successfully developed roses expressing blue pigment. Furthermore, the company leverages its expertise in yeast research—honed through decades of alcohol production—to manufacture skincare products. Despite recent leadership transitions, including the appointment of Nobuhiro Torii as president in 2025, the firm remains a multifaceted giant. Whether through the promotion of the whisky highball as a meal-compatible drink or the development of wave-powered catamarans like the Suntory Mermaid II, the company continues to redefine its identity as a global leader in both beverage innovation and cultural engagement.

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