SAN FRANCISCO & KENT, Wash. — Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a leading total beverage alcohol company, and Columbia Distributing today announced an expanded partnership in the states of Washington and Oregon. The partnership marks Columbia’s entry into the Wine and Spirits business and is an expansion of an already strong relationship between the two companies. Columbia has been a longstanding supporter and distributor of Constellation’s fast-growing beer portfolio, and this new agreement positions Columbia to serve the needs of retailers in both states across beer, wine and spirits.
“After careful assessment of our route-to-market strategies, our Wine and Spirits team is pleased to join forces with Columbia Distributing in Washington and Oregon,” said Chris Stenzel, president, Wine & Spirits Division, Constellation Brands. “Columbia has been a great partner for our Beer Division over the years. Their strong channel coverage and distribution capabilities across beer, wine and spirits, along with Constellation’s portfolio of iconic brands such as Kim Crawford, Meiomi, The Prisoner, Svedka Vodka and many others, positions our collective team to provide unique value to retailers in meeting consumers’ needs.”
“Growing our partnership with Constellation is an opportunity to synergize the entirety of our businesses and grow in ways we’ve never grown before,” said Chris Steffanci, Columbia’s president and CEO. “I can’t think of a more well-suited, experienced partner to launch into the wine and spirits world with than Constellation.”
Columbia Distributing has a proven track record of building brands and helping retailers grow in markets they serve. The company now adds Constellation’s fast-growing wine and spirits brands to its beverage and beverage alcohol portfolio, including Kim Crawford, Meiomi, Charles Smith, The Prisoner, and High West Whiskey, which all grew double-digits in 2017. This expanded partnership positions both companies to better meet the needs of consumers in Washington and Oregon who are seeking higher quality, more premium products. Constellation has a commitment to acquiring and building high-end beverage alcohol brands and has become the leading contributor to growth at retail over the past several years.
The partnership will begin effective June 1, 2018.
About Constellation Brands
Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a Fortune 500® company, is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, Italy and Canada. Constellation is the No. 3 beer company in the U.S. with high-end, iconic imported brands such as Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra and Pacifico. The company’s beer portfolio also includes Ballast Point, one of the most awarded craft brewers in the U.S., and Funky Buddha Brewery. In addition, Constellation is the world leader in premium wine, selling great brands that people love, including Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Kim Crawford, Meiomi, Mark West, Black Box, Ruffino and The Prisoner. The company’s premium spirits brands include SVEDKA Vodka, Casa Noble Tequila and High West Whiskey.
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; about 40 wineries, breweries and distilleries; and approximately 10,000 talented employees. We express our company vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more, follow us on Twitter @cbrands and visit www.cbrands.com.
About Columbia Distributing
Since 1935, Columbia Distributing has helped build some of the best known brands in the beverage business. Today Columbia Distributing and its 3,500+ employees service over 20,000 retail customers covering more than 135,000 square miles in Oregon, Washington and California. Columbia’s success is based on the deep-rooted tradition of delivering quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for customers’ needs. This is achieved by providing ongoing, sustainable opportunities and growth for its employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders and communities. For more information on Columbia Distributing, please visit www.coldist.com.