Frucor Beverages Australia announced this afternoon that its company name has changed, effective immediately.
The leading beverage manufacturer, Frucor Suntory as it is now known, has been part of the Suntory Group since 2009.
Frucor Suntory Group chief executive Jonathan Moss said the decision to take on the Suntory name came from within Frucor.
“We wanted to acknowledge and reinforce the opportunities that have come from being part of Suntory,” he said.
“Suntory has invested heavily in our business while supporting our local leaders, local culture and local brands so we have had the best of both worlds.
“We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved together, and see the linking of our names as a representation of our combined strength as well as the unique entrepreneurial spirit of both Frucor and Suntory.”
Mr Moss said the new brand will incorporate Suntory’s global name recognition into business activities in Australia and New Zealand, and that other than the visible brand changes, the company will undergo no change in ownership and no change in staff: “Frucor Suntory will continue to operate in its current structure”.
Frucor Suntory has a history spanning 55 years in the beverage industry, from it’s humble start in 1962 as part of the New Zealand Apple and Pear Marketing Board.
The flagship product V Energy drink was launched in 1997, and in 2001 the Australian arm of the business was established.
Frucor Suntory said it employs nearly 1000 people across Australia and New Zealand, and has a portfolio of more than 30 brands including V, Just Juice, Fresh Up, Sparkling OH and OVI and Maximus.