Suntory Beverage & Food

Suntory Beverage & Food, owner of Ribena, is funding a £200,000 research programme with growers and Niab to help UK blackcurrant bushes withstand extreme weather after this year’s harvest was hit by wet winter, spring frost and summer heat. The harvest is expected to be about 10% below the 10,000-tonne average, with smaller fruits and premature drop reported in major growing regions. Projects will test soil improvements and new varieties to enhance moisture retention, plant vigour, yield and berry quality to increase long-term resilience. » More on theguardian.com

Yamazaki 18 Years Old won the Supreme Champion Spirit title at the International Spirits Challenge 2025, marking the third consecutive year a Yamazaki age-stated whisky has claimed the top honor. Suntory also retained Producer of the Year for Japanese whisky and collected multiple gold medals across its brands. The company is advancing protections for Japanese whisky with a new JW logo and a planned Geographical Indication to guarantee liquids are distilled, aged and bottled in Japan. » More on forbes.com

Former Suntory CEO Takeshi Niinami said he was investigated over possession of a US-made CBD supplement, denied breaking the law and asserted his innocence after resigning. Suntory president Nobuhiro Torii announced the resignation while police in Fukuoka confirmed an investigation; details remain under inquiry. Niinami apologized for causing embarrassment and noted the supplement was sent by a friend and that he assumed it was legal. » More on abcnews.go.com