Leadership Change - Constellation Brands has appointed Nick Fink as the new CEO, effective April 13, succeeding Bill Newlands [1] - Fink has been a board director since 2021 and previously served as CEO of Fortune Brands Innovations and held senior roles at Suntory Global Spirits [2] Transition Support - Bill Newlands will remain as a strategic adviser to ensure a smooth transition of leadership responsibilities [3] - Newlands joined Constellation in 2015 and became president and CEO in 2019, overseeing significant changes during his tenure [3] Business Performance and Strategy - Under Newlands, Constellation reshaped its portfolio through multiple disposals, particularly in response to pressures on the beer segment [4] - The company reported that pressure on Hispanic consumer sentiment was impacting its beer business, leading to a reduced earnings outlook and expectations for annual beer sales decline [4][5] - Constellation has been adjusting its wine and spirits holdings, citing "volatile consumer purchasing behaviour" as a challenge [5] Portfolio Restructuring - In April, Constellation sold six brands, including Woodbridge and Meiomi, to The Wine Group to focus on higher-priced products [6] - The company had previously sold several wine brands to The Wine Group in 2022 and offloaded a portion of its wine and spirits business to E&J Gallo in 2021 [6]

US wine company WarRoom Cellars has revealed it has acquired the Simi wine brand from The Wine Group (TWG). The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Just Drinks has contacted California-based WarRoom for more information on the transaction. Founded in 1876 by the Simi family and headquartered in Sonoma County, WarRoom said the namesake brand was one of the few in Californian wine to survive Prohibition. In a statement, WarRoom said: “Simi's legacy of resilience, quality, and strong fema ...

Core Viewpoint - Constellation Brands has successfully completed the divestiture of its mainstream wine brands to The Wine Group, allowing the company to focus on a premium wine portfolio that aligns with consumer trends towards premiumization [1][3]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The divestiture includes mainstream wine brands such as Woodbridge, Meiomi, Robert Mondavi Private Selection, Cook's, SIMI, and J. Rogét sparkling wine, along with associated inventory, facilities, and vineyards [1]. - The retained portfolio consists of high-end wines priced predominantly at $15 and above, featuring brands like Robert Mondavi Winery, Schrader, Double Diamond, and Kim Crawford, among others [2]. Group 2: Strategic Focus - The company aims to reposition its portfolio to focus exclusively on higher-end products, which is expected to enhance performance in this segment over time [3]. - Constellation Brands emphasizes its commitment to aligning with consumer-led premiumization trends, which is anticipated to drive improved business performance [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Constellation Brands is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits, with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy [4]. - The company is recognized for its dedication to building beloved brands and has become one of the fastest-growing large consumer packaged goods companies in the U.S. retail market [4].