Constellation Brands, Inc. said it awarded Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits distribution responsibilities across approximately 70% of its wine and spirits brand portfolio in the United States, effective April 1.
“Achieving a consumer-focused route to market is essential to achieving our objective to out-pace, out-grow and out-execute the category in channels where consumers are choosing to engage,” said Robert Hanson, EVP/president of Constellation’s wine and spirits division.
“Southern Glazer’s is a proven brand builder with a strong national footprint, a digital commerce innovator and a standout leader in the luxury category. We share a future-focused mindset and strategic orientation that we are confident will enable us to drive our consumer-first agenda. Furthermore, SGWS shares in our commitment to creating diversity, equity and inclusion within our organizations, in the communities we serve, and across our industry. We look forward to working with them to create positive change while driving growth for many years to come.”
“We are not only fully aligned with Constellation Brands’ strategy to accelerate growth in high-end wine and spirits categories, but also in our efforts to drive greater diversity in the industry,” said Wayne E. Chaplin, CEO, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “Our like-minded cultures and joint commitment to building brands along with communities positions us to achieve great things in 2021 and beyond.”
It’s the latest move in Constellation’s wine and spirits business transformation that began in 2019 and has seen its portfolio evolve into a focused portfolio of higher-end, broad-shouldered brands. The portfolio continues to outpace high-end wine and spirits segments, primarily driven by its Power Brands at the greater than $11 price point including Kim Crawford, Meiomi, The Prisoner Wine Company and High West.