Japanese Liquor Brand Suntory Gives Back To Hurricane Victims

Suntory Holdings, makers of U.S. brands Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, recently committed $1 million to support the American Red Cross with recovery efforts in communities that have been impacted by the devastation of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

“Suntory’s vision of Growing for Good is built on core values that include giving back to society. It is in that spirit that we want to support relief and recovery for those impacted by these devastating hurricanes,” said president and CEO Takeshi Niinami via a statement. “Our thoughts are with the families, communities and our partners impacted by these massive storms.”

In addition to the Japanese company’s donation, Beam Suntory – a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings – has also contributed more than $100,000 to support employee assistance funds established by its largest distributor partners, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and the Republic National Distributing Company, as well as the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program. Beam Suntory is also matching the hurricane relief donations of its U.S. employees. Another Suntory Holdings company, Pepsi Bottling Ventures has made a monetary donation to the American Red Cross and will also be providing access to water and other supplies.

Suntory’s business in the United States includes Chicago-based Beam Suntory, the world’s third largest premium spirits company, and North Carolina-based Pepsi Bottling Ventures, the largest privately-held bottler for Pepsi-Cola products in North America. Beam Suntory’s operations include the Cruzan Rum distillery in the U.S Virgin Islands, which were in the path of Hurricane Irma.