Constellation Brands Bolsters its Asia Business with SVEDKA Launch into India

NEW DELHI and HONG KONG, Feb. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a leading beverage alcohol company, today launched the USA's number two imported vodka (Impact, 2012), SVEDKA Vodka in India with distributor Mohan Brothers Private Ltd.

(Photo: http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140212/8521400708-a )
(Photo: http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140213/8521400708-b  )
(Logo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2013/06/25/20130625191658855849.jpg )

"This strategic alignment with Mohan Brothers is an exciting step forward in the execution of our international strategy, which is focused on establishing strong distribution of our powerful global wine and spirits brands in our core markets around the world," said Jake Jacob, Vice President Asia, Constellation Brands.

"The Vodka category has experienced a double-digit compound annual growth rate in India for the past 10 years, according to International Wine and Spirits Research. Our partnership with Mohan Brothers intends to help us build the SVEDKA brand and accelerate our spirits category growth across the region."

The Mehra family has owned and operated Mohan Brothers for five generations, which has become a leading importer throughout India. Son and Executive Director, Suhail Mehra acquired professional training from LVHM in marketing and business management. He is also the youngest ever member of the Board of Directors MBPL, India's leading importers and promoters of Champagne and Premium Wines.

"We are pleased to represent SVEDKA Vodka to further develop the Indian spirits market," said Suhail Mehra, Executive Director, Mohan Brothers. "Constellation Brands has an award-winning portfolio of wine and spirit brands that are globally recognised for quality, craftsmanship and taste. We believe that adding SVEDKA Vodka will help boost demand for vodka throughout India and this agreement will benefit both companies."

The launch party was held at Fio, Epicuria, Nehru Place, New Delhi last night, with some 300 trade consumers, VIPs and media in attendance. Constellation Brands' Regional Director for Asia, Joe Milner added, "SVEDKA Vodka owns a unique position in the marketplace globally. We look forward to working with Mohan Brothers to bring the brand alive for India's diverse vodka consumption market."

Created in 1998, SVEDKA was purchased by Constellation Brands in 2007, including the exclusive worldwide marketing and distribution rights. SVEDKA's value proposition offers consumers the whole package -- a quality product, imported from Sweden, with premium value and outrageous style. Known for its provocative, "tongue-in-cheek," advertising and marketing campaigns, SVEDKA has prioritized putting fun back into the vodka category.

SVEDKA has won numerous category awards and accolades, including Impact's "Blue Chip" Brand Award (2012), the Fast Track Award at Beverage Information Group's 2011 and 2010 Growth Brand Awards as well as Impact's "Hot Brand" award in 2012. Additionally, SVEDKA received a Gold Medal for Exceptional Taste and Best Buy (BTI, 2008), a Gold Medal in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2005, 2008, 2011). Intangible Business also named SVEDKA the #6 Most Powerful Vodka Brand on their 2011 Power 100 List.

To learn more, visit www.cbrands.com