Flavoured vodka and whisky boost Constellation sales

The introduction of new flavoured vodka and whisky expressions has delivered “outstanding growth” for Constellation Brands’ spirits portfolio in the last three months.

Constellation’s flavoured spirits portfolio, which includes Svedka Mango Pineapple and Strawberry Lemonade, bolstered its performance in the last three months

The US-based drinks group, which produces Svedka Vodka and Black Velvet Canadian whisky, reported higher spirits shipments in the three months to 30 November 2014, offset a decline in wine volume to deliver a stagnant third quarter performance.

Constellation introduced three new flavours for Svedka Vodka in the past year – Mango Pineapple, Strawberry Lemonade and Peach, plus Black Velvet Cinnamon Rush in late 2013.

Meanwhile, the group’s beer business, which includes the Modelo Especial, Corona Extra and Modelo Especial Chelada brands, soared by 16% in the period, compared to the same in 2013.

The performance led to an overall group reported new sales increase of 7% for the quarter to US$1.5bn.

Rob Sands, president and CEO, Constellation Brands, said: “Our spirits business generated outstanding growth and gained share in the spirits category driven by new flavour introductions across the portfolio. We also completed the integration of the Casa Noble Tequila brand into our marketing and sales organisations and the brand is quickly gaining traction.”

Constellation Brands acquired singer Carlos Santana’s Casa Noble Tequila brand in August 2014.