Beam Suntory joins Portman Group

The Portman Group, the alcohol regulator and social responsibility body, is delighted to announce today (8) that Beam Suntory and Punch Pubs & Co and have joined the Portman Group as associate members.

This further increases the breadth of the Portman Group’s representation with the first dedicated UK pub company to join as well as a leading global premium spirits company.

The Portman Group Code applies to the whole sector and it is important to hear all voices. To further enhance our aim to convene the whole sector, to support our work to regulate and promote the sectors’ activity, and to shape future responsibility programmes, the Portman Group has launched this new tier of associate membership. It enables more companies who are keen to engage with and support our work to join the Portman Group whilst tailoring the commitment level that is best suited to them. This means access to the latest alcohol news, policy summaries, insight into research, rapid 24-hour product advice and free Code training.

In welcoming the new associate members, Matt Lambert, CEO of the Portman Group said: “I am delighted that Punch Pubs and Beam Suntory have joined the Portman Group as our first associate members. It is great to expand our representation across the industry and this demonstrates the hospitality sector’s commitment to responsible marketing practices. I am also pleased to launch this new tier of membership, enabling more companies to join and further strengthening our remit to regulate effectively at no cost to the taxpayer.”

Nick Temperley, General Manager UK & Ireland, Beam Suntory said: “Beam Suntory is thrilled to join the Portman Group as one of its new associate members and we wholeheartedly support the work it does. We have long adhered to the Portman Group’s Codes of Practice and industry standards, which align with our own commitments to responsibility as part of our long-term and ambitious Proof Positive strategy. We are delighted to be playing a part in the Portman Group’s important work.”

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands. Known for its craftsmanship of numerous and popular premium spirits, including Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and the House of Suntory portfolio, Beam Suntory is a global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.

Clive Chesser, CEO of Punch Pubs & Co said: “We are delighted to partner with the Portman Group as its first pub company. The move demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of alcohol responsibility in the on-trade and at the same time further enhances our ESG commitment centred around good health and well-being. We look forward to supporting and working with the Portman Group and being part of the valuable work they do in promoting moderation in alcohol consumption.”

Punch Pubs & Co is an independent pub company with around 1,300 pubs across the UK. Punch is committed to empowering and working together with the very best Publicans to build and grow best-in-class community pubs. It was recognised as the Best Leased and Tenanted Pub Company 2020 and 2022 by the Publican Awards. It offers award-winning training programmes delivered out of a brand-new Training Academy. It has invested in excess of £160m in our estate over the last five years and launched its Punch Promise last month.