Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (“Southern Glazer’s”)—the world’s pre-eminent distributor of beverage alcohol—announced Beam Suntory, the second largest premium spirits company in the U.S., has chosen to expand its alignment in the U.S. with Southern Glazer’s, adding nine additional markets to its current 34 market distribution relationship, effective April 1, 2020. Over the course of this nearly 11-year arrangement, Southern Glazer’s will represent Beam Suntory’s complete portfolio of brands across this 43-market footprint.
“Southern Glazer’s has been a significant partner in the growth of our business for 33 years,” commented Greg Hughes, President – North America at Beam Suntory. “Our move to consolidate our business with Southern Glazer’s is part of a larger strategic imperative to simplify our routes to market, get closer to customers and consumers, and accelerate the premiumization of our portfolio.”
“We greatly appreciate that Beam Suntory has entrusted us with the responsibility to work with them on a national level,” added Wayne Chaplin, CEO of Southern Glazer’s. “Utilizing our nationwide network and resources will significantly increase efficiencies for Beam Suntory and allow us to use economies of scale to achieve our joint business priorities. We look forward to many more years of success together.”
