Beam Suntory Inc. posted good gains in its first three quarters, parent Suntory Inc. reported.
Comparable sales were up at a mid-single-digit rate for the first three quarters of 2017. Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbons grew volumes at a double-digit rate globally. There was strong consumer demand for the core white label expression, while Jim Beam Black grew even faster, the company said. Jim Beam Vanilla posted “excellent initial results.”
Hornitos tequila continued strong growth.
The U.S. delivered mid-single-digit growth, with market share gains in both the U.S. and Japan.
Suntory’s overall global alcohol beverage net sales – including Suntory Beer and Suntory Wine International — rose 3.9% and bev/al operating income was up 8.5% from a year earlier.
The parent company also operates in non-alcohol beverages and food as well as other areas, including wellness products. The overall company reports net sales rose 2.9% in the first nine months and but net income declined 26.9% from a year earlier.