FAIRPORT, N.Y., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B) has announced the appointment of Robert Sands as President and Chief Operating Officer, a newly created position, to better support future growth. Prior to this appointment Mr. Sands held the position of Group President, with overall responsibility for the popular and premium wine and UK brands and wholesale divisions, as well as Constellation's other international activities. In his new role each of the company's operating divisions - imported beer and spirits, popular and premium wines, fine wines, UK brands and wholesale will now report to Robert Sands.

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Richard Sands, chairman and chief executive officer, said, "In recent years, as Constellation rapidly grew organically and through acquisitions, our current organization worked well. We knew, however, that there were ways we could improve the corporate structure to make it more accommodating to our continuing growth." He added, "What won't change is our commitment to keeping production, sales and marketing resident in our operating divisions." He added, "Rob Sands has been with the company since 1986 and my partner in building Constellation. His in-depth knowledge of Constellation and focus on our international operations make him an ideal chief operating officer."

About Constellation

Constellation Brands, Inc. is a leading producer and marketer of beverage alcohol brands, with a broad portfolio of wines, spirits and imported beers. The Company is the largest single-source supplier of these products in the United States, and both a major producer and independent drinks wholesaler in the United Kingdom. The company also operates a US based joint venture with the largest Australian Wine Company - BRL Hardy. Well-known brands in Constellation's portfolio include: Corona Extra, Pacifico, St. Pauli Girl, Black Velvet, Fleischmann's, Estancia, Simi, Ravenswood, Blackstone, Banrock Station, Alice White, Talus, Vendange, Almaden, Arbor Mist, Stowells of Chelsea and Blackthorn. 

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SOURCE Constellation Brands, Inc.

-0- 12/09/2002

/CONTACT: Emilio Ruocco, +1-585-218-3667, Mark Maring, +1-585-218-3668 or Ginny Clark, +1-585-218-3669, all of Constellation Brands/

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