Our Values and Mission

Values

Suntory Global Spirits is a major producer and exporter of Scotch whisky, with brands including Laphroaig ®, Bowmore®, Auchentoshan®, Glen Garioch®, The Ardmore® and Teacher’s®. As a multinational business and industry leader, Suntory Global Spirits also holds a diverse portfolio of other world-class spirits, spanning Japanese, American, Irish and Canadian whiskies, as well as cognac, tequila, gin and vodka brands.

With roots dating back to 1795, Suntory Global Spirits and its parent company, Suntory Holdings of Japan, share an unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. In our approach to the redevelopment of Laphroaig, this is evidenced by the application of harmonious design practices, the protection and reinstatement of traditional distillation methods, and a unique perspective of patience.

Proof Positive Strategy

Suntory Global Spirit’s approach to sustainability is guided by its Proof Positive strategy, which sets several ambitious, measurable, long-term goals to make a positive impact on nature, consumers, and the communities in which it operates. Progress against these goals is tracked and reported annually. Activities are wide-ranging and include protecting and restoring watersheds and other natural habitats, reducing water usage and carbon emissions, as well as the promotion of responsible alcohol consumption, among many other initiatives.

Amongst others, global goals include: 

  • Reduce water usage by 50% per unit produced by 2030
  • Give back one million volunteer hours to the communities where we live and work by 2030
  • Achieve net-zero GHG emissions across our entire value chain by 2040
  • Protect and improve watershed sustainability through Natural Water Sanctuary initiatives by 2040

Presence on Islay

In 2005, Laphroaig  was acquired by Fortune Brands, which later became Beam Inc., while Suntory acquired Bowmore in 1994. Suntory and Beam came together in 2014 to form Beam Suntory, bringing these two legendary Islay single malts under a single portfolio. Beam Suntory now employs 71 people on Islay, and many more local businesses are supported through its supply chain partnerships, trade guests and distillery visitors.

The expansion at Laphroaig is the first phase of works in our wider masterplan to continue investment on the island. We look forward to sharing such investment plans in due course, which include a continuation of our support to community initiatives and funds. 

Peatland Water Sanctuary™

One such project has been initiated across Scotland in the form of the Peatland Water Sanctuary™ initiative. Launched in 2021, $4.4 million has been committed to peatland restoration and water conservation projects, with a goal to replenish twice as much peat as is used in the creation of Suntory’s Scotch whiskies by 2040.

The first phase of this project was completed at Ardmore Distillery in Aberdeenshire, where 13 hectares of peatland were successfully restored in partnership with the James Hutton Institute and Forestry & Land Scotland.  

In November 2022, Beam Suntory launched Phase II of the initiative in partnership with the Royal Society of the Protection of Birds (RSBP). Beam Suntory is contributing more than £400,000 to restore and regenerate approximately 160 hectares of peatland at the Airds Moss reserve in East Ayrshire which is owned by RSPB Scotland.

This year, a third restoration project was announced at Craigculter moss, owned by Northern Peat and Moss. Beam Suntory have committed approximately £100,000 to restore 60 hectares of peatland on the Aberdeenshire site.

We look forward to sharing updates on additional peatland restoration work as it is completed over the coming years, as part of this long-term commitment.