• Employees in 40+ global locations give time, food and money for "Nourishing Neighbors" initiative
  • More than 730 employees took paid time off to volunteer during the week, saving food banks $40,000 in labor costs
  • More than 100,000 pounds of food was collected at company locations
  • Company and employee monetary donations totaling $70,000 will go to Blessings in a Backpack to provide food for children


VICTOR, N.Y., Oct. 30, 2015 - Constellation Brands employees around the world fought hunger in the communities where they live and work during the company's second annual "Nourishing Neighbors" initiative. The coordinated effort, which ran from October 19 - 23, gave employees three different ways to participate - by donating time, food or money.

"This initiative is a perfect example of how our employees take the lead in building our company's culture of giving back," said Rob Sands, president and chief executive officer, Constellation Brands, Inc. "Food insecurity is a reality in all of the communities where we have facilities, and I'm proud of the time and effort given by our employees to directly address the issue."

During the week, more than 730 employees in the U.S., Canada, Italy, Mexico and New Zealand took paid time off to volunteer at local food banks. This was an increase in volunteer participation by 40% over 2014. Their efforts saved the food banks approximately $40,000 in labor costs. In addition, more than 100,000 pounds of food was collected at company locations, and company and employee monetary donations totaled $70,000.

For the second year in a row, Constellation partnered with Blessings in a Backpack, a non-profit organization that provides food on weekends for children who might otherwise go hungry. The monetary donations will allow Blessings in a Backpack to provide their services to 700 children for an entire school year.

"We are truly grateful to be entering into the second year of our partnership with Constellations Brands. Their Nourishing Neighbors campaign is helping us provide hunger-free weekends to children living with food insecurity," said Brooke Wiseman, chief executive officer, Blessings in a Backpack. "Every child deserves the nourishment needed to learn and grow. Because of their generosity, hundreds of students in communities across the United States will come back to school on Mondays better nourished and ready to learn."

"For years, Constellation employees have been fighting hunger in their communities," said Ginny Clark, senior vice president public affairs, Constellation Brands, Inc. "This initiative supports that passion with a global strategy so we can make an even bigger impact, while still giving employees the ability to make a difference on a local level."

In addition to Nourishing Neighbors, Constellation employees give back in a number of other ways during the year through global, company-wide programs like the Employee Match Program, as well as through numerous regional and local charitable and volunteer efforts.

About Constellation Brands
Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B) is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Italy. In 2014, Constellation was one of the top performing stocks in the S&P 500 Consumer Staples Index. Constellation is the number three beer company in the U.S. with high-end, iconic imported brands including Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo and Pacifico. Constellation is also the world's leader in premium wine selling great brands that people love including Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Kim Crawford, Rex Goliath, Mark West, Franciscan Estate, Ruffino and Jackson-Triggs. The company's premium spirits brands include SVEDKA Vodka and Black Velvet Canadian Whisky.

Based in Victor, N.Y., the company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to brand-building, our trade partners, the environment, our investors and to consumers around the world who choose our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. Founded in 1945, Constellation has grown to become a significant player in the beverage alcohol industry with more than 100 brands in its portfolio, sales in approximately 100 countries, about 40 facilities and approximately 7,700 talented employees. We express our company vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more, visit www.cbrands.com.

CONTACTS:
Media
Cheryl Gossin: 585-678-7191
Amy Martin: 585-678-7141


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