FAIRPORT, N.Y., Jan. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Constellation Brands, Inc. today announced the appointment of Jon Moramarco, to president and chief executive officer for Constellation Europe. Constellation also announced that its fine wine business, Icon Estates, will now report to Constellation Wines U.S.
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Icon Estates will remain an independent fine wine company headquartered in St. Helena, Calif., and will retain direct responsibility for its sales, marketing and production.
"We believe the change in the U.S. will enable us to enhance our wine business while retaining the independence and rich heritage of our fine wine company, Icon Estates," said Rob Sands, Constellation Brands president and chief operating officer. "With the addition of Icon Estates, our Constellation Wines U.S. companies have an unparalleled wine portfolio, distribution scale, channel marketing expertise and consumer insights. With results-oriented leadership, Constellation Wines U.S. companies are positioned to continue maximizing the wine growth potential of their respective brands."
Moramarco, who is leaving the position of president and chief executive officer of Icon Estates, will lead Constellation Europe. He fills the position previously held by Christopher Carson, who announced his retirement last September. An internal search is being conducted to identify candidates for president of Icon Estates.
A twelfth generation winemaker, Moramarco joined Canandaigua Wine Company in 1999 as president and chief executive officer. He was appointed president and chief executive officer of Icon Estates (formerly Franciscan Estates) in December 2003. Currently, he is on the board of directors for the Wine Institute, Wine Market Council and Winegrowers of Napa County, in addition to holding a membership in the American Society of Enology and Viticulture. Moramarco is also a past chairman of the American Vintners Association and Wine Market Council.
"Jon brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Constellation Europe as we continue to implement our international growth strategy," stated Sands. Commenting on the reporting change of Icon Estates in the U.S. Sands added, "The quality, consistency, style and positioning of each wine in the Constellation portfolio remains a top priority, and those aspects of our business will not be affected by this realignment. Icon Estates will also be able to take advantage of Constellation Wines U.S.'s extensive resources."
Constellation Wines U.S. is led by Jose Fernandez, president and chief executive officer, who has more than 25 years of experience in the wine business. In August 2001 Fernandez was appointed president and chief executive officer of Pacific Wine Partners, a joint venture between BRL Hardy and Constellation Brands. When Constellation purchased Hardy in 2003, Fernandez subsequently became president and chief executive officer of Canandaigua Wine Company. He was named president and chief executive officer of Constellation Wines U.S. when it was formed in March 2004.
Constellation Wines U.S. consists of Canandaigua Wine Company, Pacific Wine Partners, North Lake Wines and Icon Estates. Constellation Europe is the United Kingdom's largest wine company and a leading drinks provider throughout Europe.
Constellation Brands, Inc. is a leading international producer and marketer of beverage alcohol brands with a broad portfolio across the wine, spirits and imported beer categories. Well-known brands in Constellation's portfolio include: Almaden, Arbor Mist, Vendange, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Hardys, Nobilo, Alice White, Ruffino, Robert Mondavi Private Selection, Blackstone, Ravenswood, Estancia, Franciscan Oakville Estate, Simi, Robert Mondavi Winery brands and Opus One, Stowells, Blackthorn, Black Velvet, Mr. Boston, Fleischmann's, Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy, Chi-Chi's, 99 Schnapps, Ridgemont Reserve 1792, Effen Vodka, Corona Extra, Corona Light, Pacifico, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo, St. Pauli Girl and Tsingtao. For additional information about Constellation Brands, as well as its product portfolio, visit the company's Web site at http://www.cbrands.com/.
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