Branded wines and imported beer in the US steered Constellation
Brands to a record first quarter sales growth, revealing how the
firm is sitting at the centre of American drinking trends.
World wine giant Constellation Brands continued to profit from its
takeover of Robert Mondavi wine in its third quarter as the group
looks to focus more seriously on Europe.
It may be the season of Thanksgiving in the US, but that hasn't
stopped wine firms Constellation and Vincor ripping more chunks out
of each other in their hostile takeover battle.
Constellation has begun a hostile takeover attempt for Canadian
wine firm Vincor, but its intended prey says it is looking for
other suitors that are willing to pay a 'fair' price.
Newly acquired wine brands have continued to carry Constellation
Brands forward in its second quarter, raising suspicions about
weaknesses in the company's organic growth.
A difficult half for beer, spirits and lower-end wine sales was
offset by a good performance from premium wine brands at the
US-based drinks group Constellation Brands, though the UK unit also
showed positive developments.