USA & Mexico: Constellation Brands claims Modelo Expecial now the ‘hottest’ beer brand and the ‘next Corona’ in the US

Constellation Brands claims that Mexican beer Modelo Especial is now the ‘hottest’ beer brand in the US, and CEO Robert Sands says he expects it to become the next Corona, BeverageDaily.com reported on October, 8.

According to the CEO,Constellation was excited about its $1.85 bln takeover of Crown Imports – the largest beer importer in the US – which is due to close in Q1 of calendar year 2013.

Constellation snagged the 50% of Crown it didn’t already own in a deal that stemmed from AB InBev’s agreement to buy the balance of shares in Grupo Modelo for $20 bln in late June 2012.

The former deal will make Constellation the largest, multi-category supplier for beer, wine and spirits (and the third largest total alcohol beverage company) in the US.

Crown holds the exclusive right to import, market and sell Grupo Modelo brands in the US: notably Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial.

10 October, 2012