June 4, 2026

Suntory Expands Rtd Portfolio With ‘minus 196’ Lemon Vodka, Eyes New Zealand Market By 2026

Suntory Spirit
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Suntory Beverage and Food Oceania has recently announced the launch of its ‘Minus 196’ lemon vodka brand throughout Australia. This marks the firm’s debut rollout of a ready-to-drink (RTD) product line from its Queensland-based beverage facility.

High-tech Brewing Method

The lemon vodka range, boasting two distinct Japan-inspired double lemon options, is formulated using Suntory’s cutting-edge freeze technology. The choices, which include 4.5% and 9% alcohol by volume (ABV), offer consumers a unique twist on traditional vodka beverages.

Extensive Product Line

The ‘Minus 196’ lemon vodka introduction enhances Suntory Oceania’s existing fruit vodka range, which includes peach and grape flavors. These products are available for purchase in either single cans or packs of 10 cans at major retailers across Australia. This extends the company’s current offering of more than 20 RTD products, which includes a variety of branded beverages, now produced at their Swanbank manufacturing plant.

Future Expansion

Suntory Oceania also has an ambitious plan to expand its footprint to the New Zealand market by January 2026. This marks the fruition of a significant investment in a $3 billion multi-beverage powerhouse in Australia.

Questions & Answers

What is unique about Suntory’s new ‘Minus 196’ lemon vodka?
The ‘Minus 196’ lemon vodka is unique as it is formulated using Suntory’s innovative freeze technology and offers two distinct Japan-inspired double lemon options with 4.5% and 9% alcohol by volume (ABV).

What other products does Suntory Oceania offer?
In addition to the ‘Minus 196’ lemon vodka, Suntory Oceania offers more than 20 other ready-to-drink (RTD) products, including various fruit vodka flavours like peach and grape.

What are Suntory Oceania’s future plans?
Suntory Oceania plans to expand its business to the New Zealand market by launching a new multi-beverage offering in January 2026. This move comes after significant investment in a $3 billion multi-beverage powerhouse in Australia.

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