, headquartered in
Fairport, New York , is a leading international producer and marketer of
Beverage Alcohol brands with a broad portfolio across the
Wine , imported
Beer and
Spirits categories. Constellation is the largest wine company in the world; the largest multi-category supplier of beverage alcohol in the
United States ; a leading producer and exporter of wine from
Australia and
New Zealand ; and both a major producer and independent drinks wholesaler in the
United Kingdom .
Constellation was founded in
1945 as a wine manufacturer and currently has over 200 beverage alcohol brands over two operating divisions - ''Constellation Wines'' and ''Constellation Beers & Spirits''.
''Constellation Wines'' produces, markets and sells a broad portfolio of wines throughout the world. It also operates the leading independent drinks wholesaler and a cider business in the United Kingdom, and produces bulk wine and other related products. Its portfolio includes leading brands from the United States (
Franciscan Oakville Estate ,
Simi ,
Ravenswood ,
Arbor Mist ), Australia (
Hardys ), New Zealand (
Nobilo ), Chile (
Veramonte ) and Argentina (
Marcus James ).
''Constellation Beers & Spirits'' is one of the largest producers and marketers of distilled spirits in the United States. Some of this division's leading brands include Corona Extra and Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Tsingtao, St. Pauli Girl, Black Velvet, Fleischmann's, Chi-Chi's and Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy.
Today, Constellation's gross sales are well over $4 billion. It operates over 43 production facilities, has close to 7,500 employees and sells its products in more than 60 countries in
North America ,
South America ,
Europe and
Australia .
On April 3, 2006, Constellation announced that it will buy
Vincor International ; a Canadian winermaker for $1.44 Billion
USD .
