How Procurement Is Evolving: Insights from Suntory’s Head of Procurement

We spoke with Andrea Gregory, the Head of Procurement at Suntory Oceania, to understand how the function is transforming across FMCG and manufacturing in Australia and New Zealand. From AI-driven efficiencies and sustainability innovation to the future of onshoring and talent pathways, procurement is entering a new era, one defined by strategic influence, technology, and long-term resilience.

Below, we share key insights from our conversation across four themes shaping procurement today.
 

Industry insights and trends

Q. What’s something about procurement at Suntory that would surprise most people?
A. That procurement is involved in everything: every dollar of spend across the business. From engineering and IT to marketing and capex projects, procurement touches every part of the organisation.
 

Q. If you had to name one shift in procurement that’s transforming the industry right now, what would it be?
A. AI, without a doubt. It’s driving huge efficiency gains and allowing us to do more with less. The flip side is that while procurement won’t lose as many people as some other functions since it’s still a relationship-driven space, AI will likely replace a lot of the entry-level, data-focused roles. That creates a new challenge for the industry: how do we build career pathways when those foundational roles disappear?
 

Q. How do you see procurement shaping the FMCG and manufacturing sectors in the next 5–10 years?
A. We’re seeing a fundamental shift in mindset. Procurement used to be all about low-cost country sourcing; now the focus is on onshoring and bringing production back closer to home. Sustainability is also having a major impact — we’re considering emissions, lead times, and resource availability much more closely. In Australia and New Zealand, access to things like energy, CO₂, electricity, and natural gas is increasingly influencing our sourcing decisions and long-term strategies.

Q. What’s the most innovative or unexpected product or service Suntory has procured recently?
A. One exciting development is a new ingredient made from an enzyme that mimics the sweetness of real sugar without actually being sugar. It’s incredibly innovative, although still quite expensive. 

Another great example is our new can decorator technology. It allows us to decorate cans at high speed and high volume with crystal-clear detail, even on white backgrounds, and includes embossing and colour-changing heat effects. It opens up huge opportunities for brand differentiation and marketing creativity.

Sustainability and impact

Q. Can you share a procurement initiative that’s made a real difference to sustainability within Suntory?
A. Our new manufacturing facility in Queensland is a fantastic example. It has 14 kilometres of solar panels on the roof, producing enough electricity to power the entire site. When we do need to purchase additional energy, we only buy from clean sources. 

We’ve also installed a bio-burner that uses waste wood from a nearby sawmill to generate the steam and heat needed for production. It features a double-burn process that cleans the emissions before release; it’s a truly circular, sustainable system.


Q. Have there been any standout collaborations with local suppliers or small businesses that you’re especially proud of?
A. At our Auckland site, we’ve partnered closely with local engineering companies to build and enhance our production lines. It’s been a great example of collaboration, supporting small New Zealand businesses while driving innovation and efficiency internally.

People and career

Q. What led you into a career in procurement, and what’s kept you passionate about it?
A. Like many people, I fell into procurement by chance. I started on a three-month contract at Heinz Wattie’s that turned into a year, and I was hooked. I loved the variety, the immediacy of the impact, and the balance between commercial and strategic work. No two days are ever the same; you’re constantly learning and problem-solving. It’s a career that keeps you engaged and on your toes.

Q. What’s the biggest misconception people have about procurement?
A. That it’s just about buying things or negotiating prices. In reality, it’s about creating value, through risk management, supplier relationships, and strategic partnerships that benefit both sides. Procurement goes far beyond transactions; it’s about driving sustainable business outcomes.

Q. What advice would you give to people considering a career in procurement?
A. Be curious and ask questions. Procurement is all about problem-solving:  finding the best possible outcome, often in complex or ambiguous situations. A curious mindset will take you far.

Forward-looking

Q. What’s one bold change you think could completely transform procurement for Suntory?
A. Over the past four years, we’ve made significant investments in procurement excellence, growing our team, maturing our processes, and embedding best practice across the business. That courageous investment is paying off: we’ve quadrupled our value delivery in that time.

The next big transformation will come from continuing to focus on efficiency and problem-solving— not just purchasing—and deepening those strategic partnerships with our suppliers.
 

Q. If budget and logistics weren’t a factor, what’s one project you’d love to see Suntory deliver?
A. I’d love to see all of our systems fully aligned and modernised — brought right up to 21st-century standards across the organisation. That would eliminate so many inefficiencies and allow our people to focus entirely on creating value, rather than managing processes or fixing issues. 

Final Thoughts

Procurement is no longer a back-office function. It is emerging as a strategic powerhouse shaping sustainability, operational resilience, and long-term business success. As Suntory’s experience shows, the future of procurement lies in technology adoption, strong supplier partnerships, and the ability to influence decision-making across the organisation.

For professionals looking to build a career in procurement or companies seeking expertise in this fast-evolving space, our team at Robert Walters is here to help.