(Thomson Reuters ONE via COMTEX) --VICTOR, N.Y. and SAO PAULO, BRAZIL, March 7, 2013 - Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), the world's leading premium wine company, and Interfood Importacao Ltda., Brazil's top imported wine distributor, announced today that their group companies have signed agreements for the importation and distribution of a key selection of Constellation's coveted premium wines and spirits brands into South America's largest country.
"We are pleased to represent Constellation to further develop the Brazilian market," said Gabriel Cury, founder, Interfood Importacao Ltda. "Constellation has an award-winning portfolio of wine and spirit brands that are globally recognized for quality, craftsmanship and taste. We also believe that changing consumer needs and Brazil's hosting of the World Cup in 2014 and the 2016 Summer Olympics will boost demand for wine throughout the country and these agreements position both companies well."
Through the agreements, Interfood will import and distribute brands from Constellation's global portfolio representing each of its key regions including Robert Mondavi Winery, Robert Mondavi Private Selection and Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi from California, Inniskillin Ice Wine from Canada, Kim Crawford from New Zealand, Ruffino from Italy, and SVEDKA vodka from Sweden.
"Constellation is a global company with an unparalleled portfolio of brands," said Philip Kingston, senior vice president, International, Constellation Brands. "Interfood enjoys a powerful sales and distribution network and an intimate knowledge of the Brazilian consumer. These agreements demonstrate our commitment to make our portfolio more readily available in growth markets such as Brazil, where consumers desire more access to world-famous wines."
According to industry data, Brazil is a key market for the global wine industry and is projected to continue its growth trajectory over the next five years.
About Constellation Brands
Constellation Brands is the world's leading premium wine company that achieves success through an unmatched knowledge of wine consumers, storied brands that suit varied lives and tastes, and more than 4,400 talented employees worldwide. With a broad portfolio of widely admired premium products across the wine, beer and spirits categories, Constellation's brand portfolio includes Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Kim Crawford, Inniskillin, Franciscan Estate, Mark West, Ruffino, Simi, Estancia, Corona Extra, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky and SVEDKA Vodka.
Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B) is a S&P 500 Index and Fortune 1000® company with more than 100 brands in our portfolio, sales in about 100 countries and operations in approximately 40 facilities. The company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to our brands, to the trade, to the land, to investors and to different people around the world who turn to our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. We express this commitment through our vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more about Constellation, visit the company's website at www.cbrands.com.
About Interfood Importacao Ltda.
Interfood Imports is a national company, founded in 1985 and located in Sao Paulo. It has two large warehouses strategically located in the states of Sao Paulo and Espirito Santo. The company's logistics is one of the most reliable and qualified to reach all regions of the country.
Interfood fulfills the main distribution channels, including direct sales to final consumers by relying on digital technology web 3.0 (e-commerce).
The products distributed by Interfood are internationally renowned. They come from the most important production centers such as Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, United States, South Africa, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Great Britain, Russia and Mexico. Learn more at Interfood.com.br
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The word "project" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These statements may relate to business strategy, future operations, prospects, plans and objectives of management, as well as information concerning expected actions of third parties, including the demand for wine in the country of Brazil. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and Constellation Brands undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
CONTACTS Media Constellation Brands: Jennifer Hodges - 415-912-3852 Cheryl Gossin - 585-957-3701 Interfood: Renata Margoni--+55 (11) 30863550 Camila Orantes--+55 (11) 30863550 Investor Relations Patty Yahn-Urlaub: 585-678-7483 Bob Czudak: 585-678-7170
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Source: Constellation Brands Inc via Thomson Reuters ONE
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