Suntory takes shot at spirits market in India, Southeast Asia

Japanese distiller looks to region's growing middle class for growth

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Suntory will begin exporting Japanese gin to other counties in Asia in April. (Photo courtesy of Suntory) 

NANA SHIBATA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japanese drinks maker Suntory Holdings is moving to expand in India and Southeast Asia. The company, which faces an aging, shrinking population at home, will serve up a new gin for Southeast Asian drinkers in April, and is considering contract production in India as it looks to profit from the country's burgeoning middle class.

In an interview with Nikkei Asia in December, Suntory's CEO Takeshi Niinami said: "Depending on the circumstances, we have to consider tie-ups with facilities that make alcohol."

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