September 27, 2005

Suntory Becomes First Beverage Company to Receive “Loans for Promoting Environmentally Conscious Management” from the Development Bank of Japan

Suntory Limited has become the first member of the beverage industry to receive one of the "Loans for Promoting Environmentally Conscious Management" from the Development Bank of Japan (a government-affiliated investment institution), reflecting Suntory's excellent reputation for eco-friendly management.

The Development Bank of Japan created the "Loans for Promoting Environmentally Conscious Management" as an environmental ranking system. This system grades businesses for eco-friendly management and offers the highest-ranking businesses a three-tiered interest plan according to their scores.

Suntory earned a high rating, as a business with exceptionally progressive environmental initiatives. As a result, the company is now able to receive financing at the most favorable interest rate available under the system, a first for the beverage industry.

In winning its rating, Suntory, which uses water and other gifts from nature as raw materials, was particularly praised for recognizing protection of the global environment as a top management issue and dealing with it in all its business activities, in accordance with the company's philosophy of "Resonating with People and Nature." The rating also focused on Suntory's approach to executing environmental management by balancing the three elements of management, business and performance (i.e. the numerical assessment of environmental data), as evidenced by its commitment to protecting water sources, reflected in the corporate message "Water for Life, Suntory."

Suntory will continue its varied initiatives for reducing environmental burden, protecting the global environment and contributing to the sustainability of society.