BWGH enhances cooperation with world’s leading wine producer
Substantial extension of distribution agreement with Constellation Brands Inc. Baarsma Wine Group Holding and Constellation Europe Ltd. (part of the Constellation Brands Inc. group of companies) will enhance and strengthen their cooperation. Starting October 1st Baarsma Wine Group Holding will be handling the distribution, marketing and sales of a large number of Constellation brands, such as the leading Australian wine brand Hardys and brands such as Banrock Station, Echo Falls, Da Luca, Robert Mondavi and Nobilo. These brands will be added to Baarsma’s various specialized business units. "Our very intensive cooperation with Constellation Europe Ltd. is a big step ahead in our strategy to improve our service to clients and consumers based on strong international brands“, says Cees de Rade, COO of Baarsma Wine Group Holding. Baarsma’s growth strategy for the near future is to further strengthen its market position in the North West Europe region. Constellation considers Baarsma Wine Group Holding to be an excellent partner. "In the future this kind of cooperation between big market orientated organizations like Constellation and Baarsma will make the difference in a very fragmented wine market”, says Paul Koks Senior Vice President Constellation Mainland Europe. Constellation Brands, Inc. is a leading international producer and marketer of beverage alcohol in the wine, spirits and imported beer categories, with significant market presence in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and New Zealand. Based in Fairport, N.Y., the company has more than 250 brands in its portfolio, sales in approximately 150 countries and operates approximately 60 wineries, distilleries and distribution facilities. It is the largest wine producer in the world; the largest wine company in the U.S. based upon sales dollar value, the largest wine company in the U.K., Australia and Canada; the second largest wine company in New Zealand; the largest beer importer and marketer in the U.S. through its Crown Imports joint venture with Mexico's Grupo Modelo; and the third largest spirits company in the U.S. Constellation Brands is an S&P 500 Index and Fortune 500® company. Major brands in the company's portfolio include Corona Extra, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky, the SVEDKA vodka line, Robert Mondavi wines, Ravenswood, Blackstone, Hardys, Banrock Station, Nobilo, Kim Crawford, Inniskillin, Jackson-Triggs and Arbor Mist. To learn more about Constellation Brands and its product portfolio visit the company's Web site at www.cbrands.com. Baarsma Wine Group Holding is market leader in the Benelux countries (Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg) and consists of various operating companies like Wine Excel, Oud Reuchlin & Boelen, Baarsma Wine Group Nederland, Hasselt Millesime and Lovian. These specialized business units operate fully independent and hold strong positions in different segments of the wine market. Baarsma Wine Group Holding has a turnover of EUR 200 million and employs nearly 300 people. It’s a fast growing, dynamic company with a clear vision.
[Oudeschoot, The Netherlands, 07-08-2007]