Suntory Oceania has completed a $30 million IT transformation supporting the launch of its new $400 million carbon-neutral multi-beverage facility in Queensland.
The project was central to provide end-to-end capability across 40 brands including Suntory -196, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Canadian Club, V Energy, Maximus, Suntory BOSS Coffee and premium Japanese whiskies.
Over two years, Suntory Oceania’s digital and IT and route to market teams delivered a digital ecosystem built on SAP S/4 HANA, developed in parallel with the construction of the new manufacturing and distribution site. The transformation supported the company’s transition to a multi-beverage model and a 40 per cent increase in workforce.
The investment enabled upgrades across the business, including dynamic pricing, near real-time integration with manufacturing systems, and a CRM system providing a single view of the customer. These improvements aligned digital operations with Suntory Oceania’s commercial goals.
“We weren’t just building systems, we were laying the digital foundation for the business to scale, innovate and lead. It was a transformation of how we think, work, and grow as a business,” said Matt Dixon, director digital and IT, Suntory Oceania.
The transformation created a scalable digital architecture designed to support Suntory Oceania’s growth across Australia and New Zealand. The new Queensland facility can produce 20 million cases annually at start-up, with automation allowing production and storage of two full pallets each minute. This improvement in efficiency and scalability places the site among the most advanced beverage facilities in the region.
The project was implemented in stages to reduce risk and align with the facility’s build schedule. Four core IT streams operated simultaneously, and production releases were completed with no outages or rollbacks. Systems achieved 95 per cent delivery in full on time (DIFOT) from day one, developed with more than 100 partners including Accenture and DXC Technology.
Key innovations included an upgraded CRM and sales hub, an enhanced online store with licensing integration, 34 automated interfaces between SAP, EWM and operational systems, SAP integrated business planning, SAP ACDOCA, and an automated alcohol tax system.
The completed transformation streamlines operations, improves speed to market and strengthens Suntory Oceania’s foundation for future growth.