Crispin Cider Company (Crispin) announced today the acquisition of California based Fox Barrel Cider Company in an all stock transaction.

The acquisition includes all assets, including the cidery located in Colfax, Calif, and liabilities.

"Crispin is now well placed in terms of scale and diversified super-premium portfolio to compete at the highest levels within the global cider market," said Joe Heron, CEO Crispin Cider Company. "Our existing investment, positive partnership and friendship with the Fox Barrel Cider Company deserved to be taken to a higher level in order to fully exploit the cider category, a category that continues to outpace other alcohol categories in terms of growth."

The acquisition brings together two clear brand platforms through which Crispin will be able to comprehensively satisfy the refreshment needs of current and new cider drinkers worldwide.

Classically refined, but not styled as a traditional sweet beer alternative, Crispin ciders are crisp and clean, not sweet and sticky and never sacrifice superior refreshment for overbearing complexity. The Crispin product line is comprised of the classic Blue Line varietals of Original, Brut and Light, as well as, the unique new world Artisanal Reserve™ Cloudy Hard Ciders – Honey Crisp and The Saint. Serve Crispin over a glass of ice and experience crisp, clean, pure natural refreshment.

Available in apple, pear and black currant, Fox Barrel superior ciders have been awarded multiple medals, including the California State Fair, West Coast Brewers Festival, the Great Lakes Olde World Syder Competition and the prestigious Three Counties International Cider Competition in Great Britain, amongst many others.

Crispin and Fox Barrel hard ciders are naturally fermented using fresh pressed apple juice from a premium blend of U.S. West Coast apples, never from apple juice concentrate, with no added malt, grape or spirit alcohol. Crispin and Fox Barrel's all natural flavors are smoothed with pure apple juice or natural organic sugar sources such as honey or maple syrup, contain no added colorants, sorbate or benzoate preservatives and are filtered cold for crisp refreshment.

"The combination of super-premium ingredients and hand-craftsmanship yields hard cider that's as good as any you will find worldwide, resulting in compelling drinkability with an engaging complexity," said Bruce Nissen, founder of the Fox Barrel Cider Company and now COO & head cider maker, Crispin Cider Company .

"The growth in the U.S. cider category is attractive to investors, particularly when one looks at how undeveloped the U.S. cider market is relative to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe and South Africa," said Mr. Melvin Jay, United Kingdom investor in Crispin Cider Company. "We see a major opportunity in terms of the combined company's innovation record, quality reputation and single-minded focus on superior in market execution."

For more information: www.CrispinOverIce.com and www.FoxBarrel.com

Contact Details


Roepke Public Relations

Press@RoepkePR.com

612 – 677 1717 (w)

612 – 677 1714 (f)


SOURCE Crispin Cider Company

RELATED LINKS
http://www.crispinoverice.com
http://www.foxbarrel.com

According to Robert Parker, "These impressive wines are made in relatively small quantities ranging from 160 to 300+ cases. Winemaker Marco DiGiulio, who did terrific work for some of the Jess Jackson projects, is making the wine at Bounty Hunter Rare Wines. All the fruit comes from either the Beckstoffer To-Kalon or Beckstoffer Dr. Crane vineyards, and I find the Justice- themed names very clever, and the packaging top-flight."

Robert Parker rates thousands of wines each year on a 100-point scale, an explanation of which can be found online at erobertparker.com. A wine that scores between 90 and 100 is "equivalent to an A and is given only for an outstanding or special effort. Wines in this category are the very best produced of their type," and a wine that scores between 80 and 89 is considered "equivalent to a B in school and such a wine, particularly in the 85-89 range, is very, very good; many of the wines that fall into this range often are great values as well." Robert Parker's ratings are among the most widely respected in the industry.

Bounty Hunter Rare Wine & Provisions, a Napa-based fine wine purveyor since 1994, now produces select fine wines with the assistance of Winemaker Timothy Milos. Founder Mark Pope forayed into ultra-premium production with the 2004 Justice Series to augment the existing lines in production; Broken Spur, Pursuit, Tin Star, Ridge Runner, Streamside and Waypoint brands.

"I'm fortunate to get to taste about 5,000 wines a year. I have a good sense of what customers want," says Pope. "We're very pleased to be recognized by The Wine Advocate for the Justice trio."

The Justice Series is a collection of three Cabernet-based wines that reveal the various expressions of Napa Valley's Beckstoffer vineyard properties. The wines include: Blind Justice, a 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon; Poetic Justice, a Bordeaux-inspired blend; and Frontier Justice, a blend that will vary every year, (the '07 version is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot). The 2006 Justice wines rated 89, 93 and 91 respectively, while the not-yet released '07s garnered 91, 95 and 93+ on The Wine Advocate scoring system.

About Bounty Hunter:

Founded by former pharmaceutical executive Mark Pope, Bounty Hunter Rare Wine & Provisions is a nationally-recognized purveyor of rare wines and luxury lifestyle goods. Based in Napa Valley, Bounty Hunter publishes two catalogs each year focusing on sought-after releases from wineries around the world. In addition to the catalog and website, the company offers 12 different wine clubs ranging from $49.95 monthly to $599.95 quarterly. The Bounty Hunter also operates a critically-acclaimed Wine Bar and Smokin' BBQ restaurant in the heart of downtown Napa.

SOURCE Bounty Hunter Rare Wine & Provisions

RELATED LINKS
http://www.bountyhunterwine.com

The Great Lakes Water Conservation Workshop is proud to announce that Alfa Laval USA will be the Silver Sponsor for the one-day event, to be held at the Rochester Museum & Science Center in downtown Rochester, NY.

The one-day workshop will be held on Friday, March 26, 2010, 8:30-4:30 at the Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue in Rochester, NY, and focuses on best practices in water conservation for small and medium-sized craft brewers and cheese companies. This is the first independent workshop designed to bring together craft brewers, cheesemakers, policy makers and nonprofit organizations for education and discussion about water conservation. Registration is $55 for the full day of sessions, including a buffet lunch, until March 1, and $75 per person thereafter; details available online at conserve-greatlakes.com.

"We are thrilled to have the support of Alfa Laval USA," says Lucy Saunders, workshop organizer. John Berardino, Brewery Manager, and Linda A. Rastani, Tank Equipment Manager, Alfa Laval USA, will share their expertise in cleaning-in-place (CIP) solutions for water savings and safety, with case histories drawn from both the brewing and cheesemaking industries.

Participating brewers include Patrick Conway, president of the Great Lakes Brewing Co. of Cleveland, OH, who will speak on the sustainable use of water in brewery and brewpub operations; and Jason Fox, brewmaster of Custom BrewCrafters, Honeoye Falls, NY, who will discuss wastewater treatment systems.

A panel discussion on the true cost of water, and pricing, includes G. William Page, PhD., AICP, a Professor in the Department of Urban & Regional Planning, University of Buffalo, SUNY; Michael Wolkoff, deputy chair of Economics at the University of Rochester; and Sammis White, Professor of Urban Planning at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) and an active participant in the Milwaukee Water Council, an industry/university partnership to solve water problems and create jobs.

Special to this workshop is a discussion of hydrofracturing and risks to water quality, featuring Walter Hang, president of Toxics Targeting, Inc., an environmental database firm in Ithaca, NY. He has worked for more than 30 years as an advocate for environmental health protection. Mr. Hang will be joined by Andrew Byers, a botanist and member of the Shaleshock Action Alliance, and Ron Bishop, a lecturer in chemistry and biochemistry at SUNY Oneonta, who will discuss hydrofracturing practices and how water contamination can occur during the gas drilling process.

Workshop details and registration are available online, at: http://www.conserve-greatlakes.com

Great Lakes Craft Brewers & Water Conservation Conference logo: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2010-GLCB-logo.jpg

Alpha Laval USA logo: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/AlfaLaval.jpg

EDITORS: For interviews with speakers or organizer Lucy Saunders, call 414.828.5243

This release was issued through eReleases(TM).  For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE The Great Lakes Craft Brewers & Water Conservation Conference

RELATED LINKS
http://www.conserve-greatlakes.com

According to Robert Parker, "These impressive wines are made in relatively small quantities ranging from 160 to 300+ cases. Winemaker Marco DiGiulio, who did terrific work for some of the Jess Jackson projects, is making the wine at Bounty Hunter Rare Wines. All the fruit comes from either the Beckstoffer To-Kalon or Beckstoffer Dr. Crane vineyards, and I find the Justice- themed names very clever, and the packaging top-flight."

Robert Parker rates thousands of wines each year on a 100-point scale, an explanation of which can be found online at erobertparker.com. A wine that scores between 90 and 100 is "equivalent to an A and is given only for an outstanding or special effort. Wines in this category are the very best produced of their type," and a wine that scores between 80 and 89 is considered "equivalent to a B in school and such a wine, particularly in the 85-89 range, is very, very good; many of the wines that fall into this range often are great values as well." Robert Parker's ratings are among the most widely respected in the industry.

Bounty Hunter Rare Wine & Provisions, a Napa-based fine wine purveyor since 1994, now produces select fine wines with the assistance of Winemaker Timothy Milos. Founder Mark Pope forayed into ultra-premium production with the 2004 Justice Series to augment the existing lines in production; Broken Spur, Pursuit, Tin Star, Ridge Runner, Streamside and Waypoint brands.

"I'm fortunate to get to taste about 5,000 wines a year. I have a good sense of what customers want," says Pope. "We're very pleased to be recognized by The Wine Advocate for the Justice trio."

The Justice Series is a collection of three Cabernet-based wines that reveal the various expressions of Napa Valley's Beckstoffer vineyard properties. The wines include: Blind Justice, a 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon; Poetic Justice, a Bordeaux-inspired blend; and Frontier Justice, a blend that will vary every year, (the '07 version is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot). The 2006 Justice wines rated 89, 93 and 91 respectively, while the not-yet released '07s garnered 91, 95 and 93+ on The Wine Advocate scoring system.

About Bounty Hunter:

Founded by former pharmaceutical executive Mark Pope, Bounty Hunter Rare Wine & Provisions is a nationally-recognized purveyor of rare wines and luxury lifestyle goods. Based in Napa Valley, Bounty Hunter publishes two catalogs each year focusing on sought-after releases from wineries around the world. In addition to the catalog and website, the company offers 12 different wine clubs ranging from $49.95 monthly to $599.95 quarterly. The Bounty Hunter also operates a critically-acclaimed Wine Bar and Smokin' BBQ restaurant in the heart of downtown Napa.

SOURCE Bounty Hunter Rare Wine & Provisions

RELATED LINKS
http://www.bountyhunterwine.com

Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines (DC&E) recently achieved a certification from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) for the adoption and promised improvement of sustainable winemaking practices at its Sterling Vineyards winery and Napa Valley Vineyards. The Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW-Certified) program aims to enhance transparency, encourage statewide participation and advance the entire California wine industry toward best practices in environmental stewardship, conservation of natural resources and socially equitable business practices.

"CSWA's accreditation is a testament to Diageo's long-standing commitment to the environment across all aspects of our business," said Sandra LeDrew, President of Sales for DC&E. "Sustainable winemaking means quality winemaking, and ultimately, delivering the best wine possible to our consumer."

The new certification program builds on CSWA's successful Sustainable Winegrowing Program – a pioneering statewide initiative that encourages and enables growers and vintners to adopt the highest standards of sustainable winegrowing practices. It was established in 2002 as a partnership between Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers.

Diageo has a long tradition of environmental excellence and commitment to sustainability. Just last December, four DC&E facilities were named winners of California's Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP) in recognition of their green initiatives.  Beaulieu Vineyard received the prestigious WRAP for a 17th time, Sterling Vineyards and the DC&E Carneros Bottling and Distribution Center were recognized a second time for accomplishments in reducing their environmental impact, and DC&E Paicines Operations received its inaugural win.

During the 2008 calendar year, Beaulieu Vineyard found inventive ways to re-think the end-life use for 1,504 tons of waste, and diverted items from the waste stream such as used barrels, grape stems and pomace, glass, cardboard, metals and paper.  The vineyard enacted a new water reuse program, which resulted in a savings of 49,202 gallons of water for the facility. Sterling Vineyards, certified this year as a Napa Valley Green Certified Winery, kept more than 1,300 tons of solid waste from going to landfill. Finally, DC&E Carneros Bottling and Distribution Center and DC&E Paicines recycled more than 2800 tons of combined material through highly organized waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting efforts in 2008.

"At Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, we believe that sustainable business is good business, and we are proud to be recognized as a leader in environmentally-conscious winemaking," said LeDrew. "We are committed to supporting the efforts of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance as it continues to minimize our industry's environmental footprint."

About Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines

Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines (DC&E) is part of Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O); the world's leading premium drinks business. DC&E produces and markets premium wines from around the globe including Napa Valley, Sonoma, the California Central Coast, Washington, France, New Zealand and Australia.  Brands include: Beaulieu Vineyard, Sterling Vineyards, Sterling Vintner's Collection, Chalone Vineyard, Acacia Vineyard, Edna Valley Vineyard and Rosenblum Cellars as well as the French wines of Barton & Guestier. DC&E is also a leading importer of classified Bordeaux and Burgundy estate-bottled wines and F.E. Trimbach.

Diageo's broader business includes an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wine and beer including Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan and Crown Royal. Diageo is a global company, listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.  For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

SOURCE Diageo

RELATED LINKS
http://www.diageo.com

Constellation Brands, Inc. ( STZ, ASX: CBR), the world's leading wine company, announced today that it has successfully amended its Senior Credit Facility to extend a portion of its revolving credit facility until June 2013, which was otherwise due to expire in June 2011, and extend $300 million of its $1.2 billion term loan. In addition, the company announced that it intends to give notice to call, without penalty on Feb. 25, 2010, all $250 million of its 8 1/8 percent senior subordinated notes due Jan. 15, 2012.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040119/STZLOGO )

"Our current focus on debt reduction remains unchanged," said Bob Ryder, chief financial officer. "Through strong free cash flow generation and the proceeds from asset sales, we have reduced our leverage and improved our credit profile. We decided to take advantage of our current position and improved credit markets to extend these debt maturities and prepay the 2012 senior subordinated notes, which we expect will lower interest expense."

Additional details regarding these activities are available in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Constellation Brands

Constellation Brands is the world's leading wine company that achieves success through an unmatched knowledge of wine consumers paired with storied brands that suit varied lives and tastes. With a broad portfolio of widely admired premium products across the wine, beer and spirits categories, Constellation's brand portfolio includes Robert Mondavi, Hardys, Clos du Bois, Blackstone, Arbor Mist, Estancia, Ravenswood, Jackson-Triggs, Kim Crawford, Corona Extra, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky and SVEDKA Vodka.

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B; ASX: CBR) is an S&P 500 Index and Fortune 1000® company with more than 100 total brands in our portfolio, sales in about 150 countries and operations in approximately 45 facilities. The company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to our brands, to the trade, to the land, to investors and to different people around the world who turn to our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. We express this commitment through our vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more about Constellation Brands and its product portfolio visit the company's web site at www.cbrands.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements.  The words  "intend," and "expect," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words.  These statements may relate to Constellation's business strategy, future operations, prospects, plans and objectives of management, as well as information concerning expected actions of third parties.  All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements.      

In addition to risks associated with ordinary business operations, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including other factors and uncertainties disclosed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Feb. 28, 2009, which could cause actual future performance to differ from current expectations.

SOURCE Constellation Brands, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.cbrands.com

Crispin Cider Company (Crispin) announced today the acquisition of California based Fox Barrel Cider Company in an all stock transaction.

The acquisition includes all assets, including the cidery located in Colfax, Calif, and liabilities.

"Crispin is now well placed in terms of scale and diversified super-premium portfolio to compete at the highest levels within the global cider market," said Joe Heron, CEO Crispin Cider Company. "Our existing investment, positive partnership and friendship with the Fox Barrel Cider Company deserved to be taken to a higher level in order to fully exploit the cider category, a category that continues to outpace other alcohol categories in terms of growth."

The acquisition brings together two clear brand platforms through which Crispin will be able to comprehensively satisfy the refreshment needs of current and new cider drinkers worldwide.

Classically refined, but not styled as a traditional sweet beer alternative, Crispin ciders are crisp and clean, not sweet and sticky and never sacrifice superior refreshment for overbearing complexity. The Crispin product line is comprised of the classic Blue Line varietals of Original, Brut and Light, as well as, the unique new world Artisanal Reserve™ Cloudy Hard Ciders – Honey Crisp and The Saint. Serve Crispin over a glass of ice and experience crisp, clean, pure natural refreshment.

Available in apple, pear and black currant, Fox Barrel superior ciders have been awarded multiple medals, including the California State Fair, West Coast Brewers Festival, the Great Lakes Olde World Syder Competition and the prestigious Three Counties International Cider Competition in Great Britain, amongst many others.

Crispin and Fox Barrel hard ciders are naturally fermented using fresh pressed apple juice from a premium blend of U.S. West Coast apples, never from apple juice concentrate, with no added malt, grape or spirit alcohol. Crispin and Fox Barrel's all natural flavors are smoothed with pure apple juice or natural organic sugar sources such as honey or maple syrup, contain no added colorants, sorbate or benzoate preservatives and are filtered cold for crisp refreshment.

"The combination of super-premium ingredients and hand-craftsmanship yields hard cider that's as good as any you will find worldwide, resulting in compelling drinkability with an engaging complexity," said Bruce Nissen, founder of the Fox Barrel Cider Company and now COO & head cider maker, Crispin Cider Company .

"The growth in the U.S. cider category is attractive to investors, particularly when one looks at how undeveloped the U.S. cider market is relative to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe and South Africa," said Mr. Melvin Jay, United Kingdom investor in Crispin Cider Company. "We see a major opportunity in terms of the combined company's innovation record, quality reputation and single-minded focus on superior in market execution."

For more information: www.CrispinOverIce.com and www.FoxBarrel.com

Contact Details


Roepke Public Relations

Press@RoepkePR.com

612 – 677 1717 (w)

612 – 677 1714 (f)


SOURCE Crispin Cider Company

RELATED LINKS
http://www.crispinoverice.com
http://www.foxbarrel.com

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, has generously donated $50,000 to help relieve the suffering of thousands of survivors of the devastating 7.0 earthquake in Haiti, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) announced.

"Bacardi has consistently shown its compassion during natural disasters, and we applaud its support of PADF's emergency relief work in Haiti," says John Sanbrailo, PADF's Executive Director. "One hundred percent of Bacardi's donation will go to the earthquake relief."

Bacardi's donation will be used for emergency shelter, medicine, water, food and hygiene kits, with an emphasis on Port-au-Prince and the Southeast province's city of Jacmel.

"We need to get help to the Haitian people as quickly as possible. The Bacardi family, Company and employees are deeply saddened by the devastation and horrific loss caused by the earthquake in Haiti. We hope this donation will help alleviate some of the suffering they are experiencing," said Facundo L. Bacardi, chairman of Bacardi Limited.

In addition to the donation to PADF, various country companies within the Bacardi family of companies have organized Haiti relief collection events at their facilities.

PADF, along with the Organization of American States (OAS) and Hollywood Unites for Haiti (HUFH), are collaborating in the promotion of the crisis and distribution of supplies. PADF has worked in Haiti for nearly 30 years.

In addition to Haiti's earthquake, Bacardi Limited has a long history providing much-needed assistance during catastrophic natural disasters. It has helped in Southeast Asia (tsunami), China (earthquake), and in the United States (Hurricane Katrina). In 2008, it partnered with PADF in supplying emergency relief in Cuba following Hurricanes and tropical storms of Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike.

Bacardi Limited encourages donations from companies and individuals to aid the Haitian people through PADF at www.PanAmericanRelief.org, its toll free number (877) 572-4484 or by texting HEAL to 50555.

About Bacardi Limited

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, produces and markets a variety of internationally recognized spirits. The Bacardi brand portfolio consists of more than 200 brands and labels, including: BACARDI®  rum, the world's favorite and best-selling premium rum, as well as the world's most awarded rum; GREY GOOSE® vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka; DEWAR'S® Scotch whisky, the number-one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, the top-valued premium gin in the world; CAZADORES® blue agave tequila, the top-selling premium tequila worldwide; MARTINI® vermouth, the world-leader in vermouth; and other leading brands. It was founded in Santiago de Cuba, February 4, 1862. For more information, visit www.BacardiLimited.com.

About HUFH

Hollywood Unites For Haiti is a non-profit charitable aid organization based in Los Angeles that puts 100 percent of its donations directly into the cause of helping Haitian citizens and raising global awareness of ways in which people can help.  For more information, please visit www.hufh.org and www.HaitianHero.com.

About the OAS

The Organization of American States (OAS) is the world's oldest regional organization, dating back to the First International Conference of American States, which was held in Washington, D.C., from October 1889 to April 1890. Today, it is comprised of 34 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean. For additional information, please visit www.oas.org.

About PADF

PADF is a non-profit organization established in 1962 to promote, facilitate, and implement social and economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the past year, it had more than 5.6 million beneficiaries in 18 countries. PADF has worked in Haiti for almost 30 years.

PADF is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in Haiti. With nearly three decades of work on the ground, PADF now manages a large portfolio of activities ranging from community-driven development to protecting human rights.

Its headquarters is in Washington, D.C., and has field offices in Haiti, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and elsewhere. For more information, please visit www.padf.org.

SOURCE Pan American Development Foundation

RELATED LINKS
http://www.padf.org
http://www.PanAmericanRelief.org
http://www.BacardiLimited.com
http://www.hufh.org
http://www.HaitianHero.com
http://www.oas.org

Constellation Brands, Inc. ( STZ, ASX: CBR), the world's leading wine company, announced today that it has successfully amended its Senior Credit Facility to extend a portion of its revolving credit facility until June 2013, which was otherwise due to expire in June 2011, and extend $300 million of its $1.2 billion term loan. In addition, the company announced that it intends to give notice to call, without penalty on Feb. 25, 2010, all $250 million of its 8 1/8 percent senior subordinated notes due Jan. 15, 2012.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040119/STZLOGO )

"Our current focus on debt reduction remains unchanged," said Bob Ryder, chief financial officer. "Through strong free cash flow generation and the proceeds from asset sales, we have reduced our leverage and improved our credit profile. We decided to take advantage of our current position and improved credit markets to extend these debt maturities and prepay the 2012 senior subordinated notes, which we expect will lower interest expense."

Additional details regarding these activities are available in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Constellation Brands

Constellation Brands is the world's leading wine company that achieves success through an unmatched knowledge of wine consumers paired with storied brands that suit varied lives and tastes. With a broad portfolio of widely admired premium products across the wine, beer and spirits categories, Constellation's brand portfolio includes Robert Mondavi, Hardys, Clos du Bois, Blackstone, Arbor Mist, Estancia, Ravenswood, Jackson-Triggs, Kim Crawford, Corona Extra, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky and SVEDKA Vodka.

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B; ASX: CBR) is an S&P 500 Index and Fortune 1000® company with more than 100 total brands in our portfolio, sales in about 150 countries and operations in approximately 45 facilities. The company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to our brands, to the trade, to the land, to investors and to different people around the world who turn to our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. We express this commitment through our vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more about Constellation Brands and its product portfolio visit the company's web site at www.cbrands.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements.  The words  "intend," and "expect," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words.  These statements may relate to Constellation's business strategy, future operations, prospects, plans and objectives of management, as well as information concerning expected actions of third parties.  All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements.      

In addition to risks associated with ordinary business operations, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including other factors and uncertainties disclosed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Feb. 28, 2009, which could cause actual future performance to differ from current expectations.

SOURCE Constellation Brands, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.cbrands.com

Paso Robles, California, the Central Coast's fastest growing wine, travel & tourism region, has announced its slate of 2010 activities.  From wine to weddings, hot air balloons to horses, music to marvelous cars, art and cycling, there is something for everybody.

PASO ROBLES 2010 EVENTS:

Esprit du Vin: January 15

Valentine Movie Night: February 14

Pacific Cutting Horse Association Derby:  March 6-14

Wedding and Event Expo: March 7

Paso Robles Zinfandel Festival:  March 19-21

Easter Egg Hunt & Festivities in the Park:  March 27

Kitefest: April 17

Balloon Festival at      River Oaks Hot Springs:  April 23-24

Vintage Sidecar Rendezvous:  April 24

Hospice du Rhone:  April 29 - May 1

Avila Wildflower Triathlon Festival:  April 29-May 2

Paso Robles Wine Festival:  May 21-23

Street Dance, Chili Cook-off, & Antique Car Show:  May 28

Paso Robles Festival of the Arts:  May 29

Great Western Bicycle Rally:  May 28-30

Paso Robles Class Car Auction:  May 28-30

Baby and Children's Fair: June 5

NRCHA Derby: June 15 - 20

Begin Friday Night Concerts in the Park Series:  July 2

Trading Day and Kids Flea Market:  June 26

Lavender Festival:  July 10

California Mid-State Fair:  July 21 to August 1

Free Pancake Breakfast:  July 29

NSHA Snaffle Bit Futurity:  August 15 - 22

Pre-Olive Festival Mixer:  August 20

Olive Festival:  August 21

Airport Day:  September 11

Pajama Party Movie:  September 11

Cigar Conference West:  September 11

Taste of Downtown/Arte de Tiza:  September 18

OAKtoberfest:  September 25

Miss Rodeo CA Pageant:  October 5-7

Pioneer Day:  October 9

Harvest Wine Weekend:  October 15-17

PCCHA Futurity:  October 19-31

Golden Oak Festival:  October 23

Paso Gathering:  October 29-31

Scarecrow Contest Downtown:  October 11-29

Safe and Fun Halloween:  October 31

Elegant Evening Downtown:  November 13

Paderewski Festival:  November 11-14

Downtown Lighting Ceremony:  November 26

Christmas Light Parade:  December 4

Vine St. Victorian Showcase:  December 11

Victorian Teddy Bear Tea:  December 18


Ways to keep up with all things Paso:

Blog: blog.travelpaso.com

Twitter: @TravelPaso

Website: TravelPaso.com

Facebook:  TravelPaso

Plus: Delicious, Flickr, YouTube


ABOUT TRAVEL PASO ROBLES ALLIANCE

The Travel Paso Robles Alliance (www.travelpaso.com) is a group of 19 area hoteliers formed in 2008 so business, leisure and large group travelers can discover the Authentic California™ experience of the Central Coast.

For information contact:  (888) 988-PASO(7276), tourism@prcity.com.

SOURCE Travel Paso Robles Alliance

RELATED LINKS
http://www.travelpaso.com

The Great Lakes Water Conservation Workshop is proud to announce that Alfa Laval USA will be the Silver Sponsor for the one-day event, to be held at the Rochester Museum & Science Center in downtown Rochester, NY.

The one-day workshop will be held on Friday, March 26, 2010, 8:30-4:30 at the Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue in Rochester, NY, and focuses on best practices in water conservation for small and medium-sized craft brewers and cheese companies. This is the first independent workshop designed to bring together craft brewers, cheesemakers, policy makers and nonprofit organizations for education and discussion about water conservation. Registration is $55 for the full day of sessions, including a buffet lunch, until March 1, and $75 per person thereafter; details available online at conserve-greatlakes.com.

"We are thrilled to have the support of Alfa Laval USA," says Lucy Saunders, workshop organizer. John Berardino, Brewery Manager, and Linda A. Rastani, Tank Equipment Manager, Alfa Laval USA, will share their expertise in cleaning-in-place (CIP) solutions for water savings and safety, with case histories drawn from both the brewing and cheesemaking industries.

Participating brewers include Patrick Conway, president of the Great Lakes Brewing Co. of Cleveland, OH, who will speak on the sustainable use of water in brewery and brewpub operations; and Jason Fox, brewmaster of Custom BrewCrafters, Honeoye Falls, NY, who will discuss wastewater treatment systems.

A panel discussion on the true cost of water, and pricing, includes G. William Page, PhD., AICP, a Professor in the Department of Urban & Regional Planning, University of Buffalo, SUNY; Michael Wolkoff, deputy chair of Economics at the University of Rochester; and Sammis White, Professor of Urban Planning at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) and an active participant in the Milwaukee Water Council, an industry/university partnership to solve water problems and create jobs.

Special to this workshop is a discussion of hydrofracturing and risks to water quality, featuring Walter Hang, president of Toxics Targeting, Inc., an environmental database firm in Ithaca, NY. He has worked for more than 30 years as an advocate for environmental health protection. Mr. Hang will be joined by Andrew Byers, a botanist and member of the Shaleshock Action Alliance, and Ron Bishop, a lecturer in chemistry and biochemistry at SUNY Oneonta, who will discuss hydrofracturing practices and how water contamination can occur during the gas drilling process.

Workshop details and registration are available online, at: http://www.conserve-greatlakes.com

Great Lakes Craft Brewers & Water Conservation Conference logo: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2010-GLCB-logo.jpg

Alpha Laval USA logo: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/AlfaLaval.jpg

EDITORS: For interviews with speakers or organizer Lucy Saunders, call 414.828.5243

This release was issued through eReleases(TM).  For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE The Great Lakes Craft Brewers & Water Conservation Conference

RELATED LINKS
http://www.conserve-greatlakes.com

One the region's premier luxury home shows returns to the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, MD on February 20 - 21, 2010. The Howard LIVE! Food, Libations, and Luxury Home Show showcases the best in taste, style and design for your home and life from premier vendors, chefs, wineries and more.

The show will feature more than 150 elegantly appointed design vignettes throughout several elegantly appointed ballrooms, each showcasing luxury on a large and small scale for your home's interior and exterior. Among the vignettes, guests will view trend-setting design and home displays and luxury items including fine art, sculpture and design accessories to help create a personal oasis.

In addition to viewing the latest in luxury design, select gourmet food purveyors will offer an opportunity to taste and purchase their creations. And for those over age 21, the Howard LIVE! Food, Libations, and Luxury Home Show also offers an exciting tasting option. Fine wines, liquors and artisan craft beers will be paired with tastings to satisfy every palate.

Tasting participants include The Elkridge Furnace Inn, Alexandra's Restaurant, and more. Wines from an array of producers including Kestrel, Quasar and more will vie with the ever-popular Vodka and Liquor Lounge, artisan brews and highly rated and hard-to-find beverages for a palate-pleasing feast.

The Howard LIVE! Food, Libations, and Luxury Home Show is held at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Maryland on Saturday and Sunday, February 20 - 21, 2010 from 11 - 5 both days.

All Access Tasting Admission provides adults 21 and over with admission into the Luxury Home Show and Gourmet Food Tastings plus libations for $25. All Access Tasting Admissions are available online, or at the door.

Luxury Show Admission is for all ages and includes admission into the Luxury Home Show and Gourmet Food Tastings (no libations included) for $10, available at the door.

Children 12 and under are FREE.

For additional information, visit the website at http://www.theluxuryhomeshows.com or call 410-612-9330.

Editors' Note: Exhibitor and show creator interviews, photos and VIP passes for promotional use available on request.

MEDIA CONTACT: Gina Kazimir / 410-420-8679 / gkazimir@prrightnow.com

This release was issued through eReleases(TM).  For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Howard LIVE! Food, Libations, and Luxury Home Show

RELATED LINKS
http://www.howardlivehomeshow.com

It's a safe bet that when you're sitting on your patio deck enjoying a cold Bud, you don't give much thought to how it went from St. Louis to your local liquor store. But for the nation's 1,500 breweries, 2,800 beer distributors, and approximately 530,000 retail businesses that sell beer, it's a time-honored route laden with checks and balances.

Known as the three-tier system, a brewer can only sell beer to a state-licensed distributor, who can only sell to a state-licensed retailer, who can only sell to an adult consumer of legal drinking age. But of the three tiers, none has been affected more, or seen the way they do businesses drastically altered over the past 30 years, than the beer distributor.

Decades ago, the beer distribution industry was somewhat of a cookie-cutter operation. Back then there were fewer than 100 brewers pumping out suds in mostly standard-sized bottles and cans that were shipped by distributors in full pallets.

Then, in the Eighties, the game changed.

"In the early Eighties, we were dealing with mostly full and half-pallets, and less than 100 SKUs," recalls Joey Lopez, VP of Operations for Cone Distributing, Inc., which operates two warehouses servicing 11 counties in Central and Northern Florida. "But then Coors started the regional beer boom in the mid-1980s, and things started to change. Now, we are dealing with over 600 SKUs."

The proliferation of microbreweries, or "craft brewers," has greatly affected the beer distribution industry, says Eric Criss, President of the Florida Beer Institute.

As the number of SKUs increases, the need for automation becomes more and more of a factor in an industry historically reluctant to change. But with some high-volume distributors now pushing out upwards of 100,000 cases of beer per day, a number that is capable of increasing by as much as 25% during the high-peak seasons, that reluctance may become a requirement.  Eric Criss thinks that warehouse automation in beer distributors has to happen to keep up with consumer demand for a wider selection of products. "Distribution centers will have to rely more and more on automation as the number of SKUs continues to increase," says Criss.

To view the full white paper by John T. Phelan of TriFactor, LLC (www.trifactor.com), please visit http://www.trifactor.com/Material-Handling-White-Papers/Beer-Distribution-Problems-Brewing

CONTACT: Stefanie Poe, Marketing Coordinator, TriFactor, LLC, +1-863-577-2233, spoe@trifactor.com

SOURCE TriFactor, LLC

RELATED LINKS
http://www.trifactor.com

The makers of Tanqueray® gin announced today the launch of its WeResistSimple.com blog. The online destination will connect consumers with celebrities, rising stars and a host of personalities who live rich, bold, interesting lives.  WeResistSimple.com rejects things that are bland and embraces vibrant careers, lifestyles and progressive culture.

"Just as Tanqueray is a gin chosen by people who embrace extraordinary things in life, WeResistSimple.com will serve as the ultimate portal for people to consume thought-provoking content from those who choose to stray from that which is predictable in their everyday lifestyle," said Bill Topf, vice president of marketing for Tanqueray.  "Through WeResistSimple.com, we will celebrate these individuals who are not afraid to embrace complexity and encourage others to join them."

This original platform of brand-curated information will feature blog posts from a panel of notables.  Their musings will touch upon a variety of subjects from film and family to nightlife and politics in a way that reflects their approach to getting the most out of the demanding lives people lead in today's complex world.  These accomplished individuals will each author posts that will seek to connect with and inspire people who share the same thirst for life.  

Tanqueray WeResistSimple.com bloggers include:


  • Hill Harper - Actor
  • the.LIFE files - Blogger
  • Sal Masekela - TV Personality
  • Eddie Cruz - Sneaker Aficionado
  • Mariel Haenn - Celebrity Stylist
  • Kali Erwin - Mixologist
  • Talib Kweli - Hip Hop Artist
  • Dao-Yi Chow - Fashion Designer
  • Jonathan Mannion - Photographer
  • James Andrews - Social Media Guru
  • Coltrane Curtis - Entrepreneur
  • Jason Geter - Entertainment Executive
  • Rickey Kim - Editor & Blogger

  • Pete Chatmon - Film Maker

  • Vashtie - Music Video Director


Through their personal social media footprints and diverse backgrounds these influencers will provide exclusive insight into their lives and connect readers to their social network of today's most notable and fascinating icons.

"I live by a simple credo. 'There is no box.'  The second you start limiting your full potential by letting society dictate what you're truly capable of is the second you stop living," said TV personality Sal Masekela.  "I'm honored to be amongst this diverse squad of individuals who have repeatedly chosen to break ground instead of building on an old foundation.  With WeResistSimple.com, Tanqueray celebrates this movement and offers consumers a unique opportunity to celebrate individuality and responsibility at the same time."

Please visit WeResistSimple.com for more information.  Tanqueray reminds consumers to drink responsibly.

About Tanqueray

TANQUERAY® London Dry Gin is a dry, crisp, gin with a rich juniper flavor. Known for its iconic green bottle and red emblem, TANQUERAY London Dry Gin is the number one imported gin in the United States and is one of the world's most award-winning white spirits. TANQUERAY gin, TANQUERAY No. TEN gin, TANQUERAY RANGPUR gin and TANQUERAY STERLING vodka together create the renowned portfolio of TANQUERAY, where perfection and craftsmanship maintain a history that reaches back 175 years. Additional information about the TANQUERAY brand may be found at http://www.tanqueray.com

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business and industry leader in promoting responsible drinking, with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 200 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com.  For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.


MEDIA CONTACTS:


Maeve Hagen

Erica J. Johnson

Taylor

Diageo

(212) 714-5743

(646) 223-2038

mhagen@taylorpr.com

Erica.johnson@Diageo.com



 

SOURCE Diageo

RELATED LINKS
http://weresistsimple.com
http://www.tanqueray.com

Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines (DC&E) recently achieved a certification from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) for the adoption and promised improvement of sustainable winemaking practices at its Sterling Vineyards winery and Napa Valley Vineyards. The Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW-Certified) program aims to enhance transparency, encourage statewide participation and advance the entire California wine industry toward best practices in environmental stewardship, conservation of natural resources and socially equitable business practices.

"CSWA's accreditation is a testament to Diageo's long-standing commitment to the environment across all aspects of our business," said Sandra LeDrew, President of Sales for DC&E. "Sustainable winemaking means quality winemaking, and ultimately, delivering the best wine possible to our consumer."

The new certification program builds on CSWA's successful Sustainable Winegrowing Program – a pioneering statewide initiative that encourages and enables growers and vintners to adopt the highest standards of sustainable winegrowing practices. It was established in 2002 as a partnership between Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers.

Diageo has a long tradition of environmental excellence and commitment to sustainability. Just last December, four DC&E facilities were named winners of California's Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP) in recognition of their green initiatives.  Beaulieu Vineyard received the prestigious WRAP for a 17th time, Sterling Vineyards and the DC&E Carneros Bottling and Distribution Center were recognized a second time for accomplishments in reducing their environmental impact, and DC&E Paicines Operations received its inaugural win.

During the 2008 calendar year, Beaulieu Vineyard found inventive ways to re-think the end-life use for 1,504 tons of waste, and diverted items from the waste stream such as used barrels, grape stems and pomace, glass, cardboard, metals and paper.  The vineyard enacted a new water reuse program, which resulted in a savings of 49,202 gallons of water for the facility. Sterling Vineyards, certified this year as a Napa Valley Green Certified Winery, kept more than 1,300 tons of solid waste from going to landfill. Finally, DC&E Carneros Bottling and Distribution Center and DC&E Paicines recycled more than 2800 tons of combined material through highly organized waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting efforts in 2008.

"At Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, we believe that sustainable business is good business, and we are proud to be recognized as a leader in environmentally-conscious winemaking," said LeDrew. "We are committed to supporting the efforts of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance as it continues to minimize our industry's environmental footprint."

About Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines

Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines (DC&E) is part of Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O); the world's leading premium drinks business. DC&E produces and markets premium wines from around the globe including Napa Valley, Sonoma, the California Central Coast, Washington, France, New Zealand and Australia.  Brands include: Beaulieu Vineyard, Sterling Vineyards, Sterling Vintner's Collection, Chalone Vineyard, Acacia Vineyard, Edna Valley Vineyard and Rosenblum Cellars as well as the French wines of Barton & Guestier. DC&E is also a leading importer of classified Bordeaux and Burgundy estate-bottled wines and F.E. Trimbach.

Diageo's broader business includes an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wine and beer including Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan and Crown Royal. Diageo is a global company, listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.  For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

SOURCE Diageo

RELATED LINKS
http://www.diageo.com

Miller High Life, the beer that surprised America last year with its one-second ad, will once again call a time-out for common sense during the Big Game – this year giving air-time to four deserving small businesses from around the country.

The 30-second spot will feature the owners of Del's Barber Shop in Escondido, Calif., Tim's Baseball Card Shop in Chicago, Ill., Loretta's Authentic Pralines in New Orleans, La., Bizarre Guitar & Drum in Phoenix, Ariz. as well as Miller High Life's very own no-nonsense deliveryman. It will air in major markets during the Big Game on February 7, 2010.

"Miller High Life is all about common sense and nothing makes more sense than giving deserving small businesses the opportunity to be a part of the Big Game," said Miller High Life Brand Manager Joe Abegg. "These businesses live the High Life everyday by retaining a steadfast commitment to service and authenticity.  What better way to show our appreciation for hard-working Americans who share High Life's values than by providing a primetime stage for a few to tell their story?"

Miller High Life scoured the country to identify potential businesses to be featured in the Big Game commercial.  From the many qualified companies that stood out, the folks at Miller High Life had the difficult task of narrowing it down to a few small businesses from around the country.

"We had a lot of fun working with the owners of these companies and we think they represent small businesses across the country very well," said Abegg. "We hope this experience has been as positive for them as it has for us and that it only serves to help small businesses thrive."

To build excitement for the commercial, which will air across much of the country through buys with local market CBS affiliates and owned-and-operated stations, a 30-second teaser ad will hit the air beginning this week. Additional content, including outtakes from the Big Game commercial shoot and information on the four businesses featured in the ad as well as others that are living the High Life, will be available online at www.MillerHighLife.com.

The commercial was created by Saatchi & Saatchi, New York.

About Del's Barber Shop, Escondido, Calif.

Del's Barber Shop was started by Del Engelbrecht in 1959 and is now run by his son, Dan.   These self-proclaimed "Flat-Top" specialists are proud to offer a free haircut to their regular military personnel before and after deployment.  Their friendly atmosphere and dedication to the community has kept loyal customers coming back generation after generation.  

About Loretta's Authentic Pralines, New Orleans, La.

Loretta Harrison began making pralines with her mother when she was only eight years old. Decades later, she still uses the same original family recipe that has been handed down through six generations. Loretta started the company in 1989 with only $700 to fund her big dream.  Over the years she has grown the business to include two locations and 15 employees.

About Bizarre Guitar & Drum, Phoenix, Ariz.

Bob Turner, owner and founder of Bizarre Guitar & Drum, is an expert when it comes to vintage guitars.  He began selling used and vintage guitars out of his Phoenix apartment before officially opening his first store in 1976 with only 16 guitars and 300 square feet.  Today, the new location boasts more than 1,500 acoustic and electric guitars, amps and drums.

About Tim's Baseball Card Shop, Chicago, Ill.

Chicago native Tim Herron opened Tim's Baseball Card Shop in 2004 in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago.  Tim buys and sells all types of sports memorabilia including baseball cards, basketball cards, football cards and autographs.  The store has prices to fit any budget and the expertise to assist both new and veteran collectors.

About MillerCoors

Built on a foundation of great beer brands and more than 288 years of brewing heritage, MillerCoors continues the commitment of its founders to brew the highest quality beers.  MillerCoors is the second largest beer company in America, capturing nearly 30 percent of U.S. beer sales.  Led by two of the best-selling beers in the industry, MillerCoors has a broad portfolio of highly complementary brands across every major industry segment.  Miller Lite is the great tasting beer that established the American light beer category in 1975, and Coors Light is the brand that introduced consumers to refreshment as cold as the Rockies.  MGD 64 completes the company's premium light beer portfolio, offering consumers fresh, crisp taste at just 64 calories.  MillerCoors brews premium beers Coors Banquet and Miller Genuine Draft; and economy brands Miller High Life and Keystone Light.  The company also imports Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell, Grolsch and Molson Canadian and offers innovative products such as Miller Chill and Sparks.  MillerCoors features craft brews from the Jacob Leinenkugel Company, Blue Moon Brewing Company and the Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company.  MillerCoors operates eight major breweries in the U.S., as well as the Leinenkugel's craft brewery in Chippewa Falls, WI and two microbreweries, the 10th Street Brewery in Milwaukee and the Blue Moon Brewing Company at Coors Field in Denver.  MillerCoors vision is to create America's best beer company by driving profitable industry growth.  MillerCoors insists on building its brands the right way through brewing quality, responsible marketing and environmental and community impact.  MillerCoors is a joint venture of SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company.

SOURCE MillerCoors

RELATED LINKS
http://www.MillerHighLife.com

To honor a life spent championing the outdoors, Budweiser and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation today named the late James D. "Jim" Range of Washington, D.C. the 2010 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year.  This is the 15th consecutive year the award has been presented to an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the outdoors and wildlife conservation; this year's announcement was made at the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Las Vegas.

Before passing away in early 2009, Range spent his life enhancing the quality of America's hunting and fishing through his tireless commitment to conservation initiatives.  His vision for the future of the sport and his ability to inspire a similar enthusiasm in others through his words and actions rallied countless supporters for his conservation missions.  Range worked to conserve the Potomac River, establishing the Congressional Casting Call, which later was renamed in his honor.  He played a critical role in the passage of several landmark natural resource laws, including the Clean Water Act.  In 2003, Jim received the U.S. Department of the Interior's Great Blue Heron Award, the highest honor given by the department to an individual at the national level.

"For the past 15 years, Budweiser has been recognizing leaders in the fields of conservation and wildlife habitat conservation and we are honored to add Jim to our list of distinguished award recipients," said Bob Fishbeck, Budweiser brand manager, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.  "Jim's passion for the outdoors, tireless leadership and outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation serve as an inspiration to all of us.  We're honored to join the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in recognizing Jim and the other finalists participating in our annual Budweiser Conservationist of the Year award program."

Each year, a committee selects four conservationists, 21 or older, as finalists from dozens of outstanding nominees.  Budweiser consumers from across the country vote for the Conservationist of the Year in an open ballot process on Budweiser.com.  

A $50,000 grant from Budweiser and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will be made in memory of Range to the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) to support its conservation efforts.  

"On behalf of the family of Jim Range, we want to thank Budweiser and the Foundation for their recognition of Jim's efforts to preserve and protect the notion that all Americans will have access to America's natural resources for future generations for hunting and fishing," said John Neel Range, brother of Jim Range.  "Jim was keenly aware that 'we gotta save this thing we love cause ain't nobody else gonna do it.'  With this generous award, we can ensure that others will be able to continue his efforts."

A co-founder of the TRCP, Jim held board positions with Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited and the Wetlands America Trust, among others.  He was also a White House appointee to the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, and the Valles Caldera Trust.

"Jim spent his entire professional life conserving and enhancing Americans' hunting and fishing opportunities," said TRCP Chairman Jim Martin, conservation director of the Berkley Conservation Institute.  "His cumulative efforts stand as a very high benchmark to those of us who care about our outdoor sporting heritage – and the lands and waters on which we pursue these traditions.  His ability to inspire passion in others through his words and actions rallied countless supporters around his conservation vision.  The TRCP is profoundly honored to have Jim's legacy recognized through his selection as Budweiser Conservationist of the Year."

Previous winners of the Budweiser Conservationist of the Year award include: George Dunklin, Jr. of Stuttgart, Ark. (2009); Lowell E. Baier of Potomac, Md. (2008); G. Richard Mode of Morganton, N.C. (2007); Wendell Berryhill of Cochran, Ga. (2006); Bill Crawford of Frederick, Okla. (2005); Eddie Bridges of Greensboro, N.C. (2004); Sandi Beitzel of Manitowoc, Wis. (2003); Dr. Tommy Thompson of Monroe City, Ind. (2002); Bruce Lewis of Natchez, Miss. (2001); Tory Taylor of Dubois, Wyo. (2000); Gloria Erickson of Holdrege, Neb. (1999); Christine Thomas of Stevens Point, Wis. (1998); Jeff Churan of Chillicothe, Mo. (1997); and Susan Moxley of Vickery, Ohio (1996).

Since Anheuser-Busch was founded in 1852, the company has been committed to supporting the environment and conserving natural resources.  In 1995, the leading American brewer bolstered its support by creating the 'Budweiser Outdoors' program.  For generations, the company's mission has been to brew, package and ship the freshest, highest quality beer in the world in the most efficient and responsible manner possible.

Throughout the years, the 'Budweiser Outdoors' program has grown to include seven partner organizations – the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl Foundation and the Quality Deer Management Association – to promote outdoor sports and wildlife conservation.

A nonprofit organization established by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation sustains, restores and enhances the nation's fish and wildlife.  By teaming leadership conservation investments with those of public and private partners, the Foundation maximizes measurable conservation benefits.  Since its establishment, the Foundation has awarded 10,800 grants to more than 3,700 organizations in the United States and abroad, while leveraging more than $635 million in federal funds into $1.5 billion for conservation.  For more information, visit www.nfwf.org.

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 49.2 percent share of U.S. beer sales.  The company brews the world's largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light.  Anheuser Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer.  Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Global Companies list in 2009.  The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo.  For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch; National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

RELATED LINKS
http://www.anheuser-busch.com
http://www.nfwf.org

Enjoying wine for dinner and entertaining without emptying your wallet is easy, thanks to online grocer, FreshDirect and Union Square Wine & Spirits (USQ). USQ offers almost 200 wines for under $20 and with the new selection of the 'Top 20 under $20,' their wine experts have chosen their favorites picks for under $20 to help take the guesswork out of shopping for quality, value wines. Enjoying great wine is possible anytime without worrying about breaking the bank.  

Find Great Wine without the Guesswork

USQ has worked closely with FreshDirect to find quality wines that complement FreshDirect's wide array of fresh foods, cheeses, breads, fruits and chef-prepared meals. In making selections for the Top 20 under $20 program, wines were chosen not only based on affordability, but also on flavors that appeal to both the casual consumer and serious wine aficionado.

"'The Top 20 under $20' program shines a spotlight on some of the world's great wine bargains," stated Jesse Salazar, Wine Director at Union Square Wines & Spirits. "We've chosen our favorites in the under $20 category to guide FreshDirect's customers to experience great quality wines that they might have missed before."

What wine goes with seafood?

For customers unsure of what wine goes with what foods, each wine has a comprehensive onsite description at the USQ store reached through www.freshdirect.com, detailing its attributes, which foods it complements and what to avoid.  Prices for wines currently featured in the 'Top 20 under $20' range from as low as $5.99 to $19.99. Now, having great wine at dinner is both easy and affordable every day, whether you're eating pizza by the TV or lamb by candlelight.

A few wine selections from the 'Top 20 under $20' include:

Cristalino Brut Cava $8.99

Crafted with grapes grown in vineyards just outside of Barcelona, Spain, this festive wine is full of apple, citrus and toast aromas. A sparkling wine, it's great for mimosas or a Champagne toast. Pair this light and fruity wine with traditional Spanish food or fresh seafood, but skip the heavy meal and serve with light fare.

Naia Verdejo $12.99

This fragrant white wine imported from Spain is perfect with seafood and its aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry and kiwi gives it a fresh and fruity scent. It pairs best with anything from the sea such as fresh shrimp, but will go with most any food. If you want it to excel, skip the burgers and stews.

Beringer Founder's Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $8.99

Cabernet offers the rich ripe flavors of the Californian grape embodied with the flavors of currant, spice and soft tannis.  It's a great wine for a weekend with friends gathered around a pan of lasagna or a bowl of penne. It's a bit too bold for flavors such as steamed fish so skip the pizza with anchovies.  

Juan Gil Albacea Monastrell $11.99

Wine lovers don't want to miss this Spanish bargain from Miguel Gil, proprietor of Bodegas Juan Gil who helped put the little known Jumilla region on the map. Aromas of smoke-infused blackberry, cedar and pepper add to its fragrance making this wine delicious with pizza, burgers and pastas. It even keeps its flavor corked and in the fridge for up to 2 days.

For the full list of the 'Top 20 under $20' and for more information about USQ and FreshDirect, visit to www.freshdirect.com!

About Union Square Wine & Spirits

USQ continually sets the standard as a leader in the wine and spirit industry by providing consumers an impressive array of reds, whites and sparkling wines from around the world.  By traveling to vineyards in Campania, Italy, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Langenlois, Austria, California's spectacular coastal vineyards, USQ searches out, tastes and secures the finest wines for their customers. A valued partner of FreshDirect's since 2008, USQ's expertise in pairing food and wine has been an asset to both the customer searching out "food friendly wines" and the serious food and wine gourmet.

About FreshDirect

FreshDirect is one of the nation's leading online food brands and grocery providers, known for its convenient home delivery service and the manufacture of fresh, delicious food. Changing the way customers shop for groceries since 2002, the company uses a direct distribution model with in-house, overnight production that cuts out the middleman and helps FreshDirect offer farm-fresh food at prices up to 20% lower than conventional grocery stores. Every product is 100% satisfactory guaranteed, every time. Thanks to expert daily ratings, FreshDirect customers can easily shop for best of the season in produce and seafood. Only at FreshDirect, the online shopping experience is highly personalized with smart shopping features that help customers track their favorites, remember missed items, shop from previous orders and get recommendations on new foods they might like. FreshDirect has also teamed up with top New York City chefs and restaurants to bring customers quick, restaurant-quality prepared meals, unavailable anywhere else. FreshDirect has fulfilled more than ten million orders to date. Its ever-expanding service area includes most of Manhattan, locations in Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Bronx, as well as parts of New Jersey, Westchester and Nassau County. FreshDirect ranks 62 on Internet Retailers America's Top 500 guide. For more information, visit www.freshdirect.com.

SOURCE FreshDirect

RELATED LINKS
http://www.freshdirect.com

Add flavor to the New Year and visit the Trellis Room, Mobile's only AAA four-diamond restaurant conveniently located in The Battle House, A Renaissance Hotel, featuring hotel suites in Mobile, AL.  An exclusive wine tasting event with renowned winemaker Vic Bourassa on January 21 and a satisfying menu displaying four tempting courses for Valentine's Day prove that 2010 will be a year to remember.

Wine Dinner with Vic BourassaThursday, January 21

Join Bourassa, owner and proprietor of Bourassa Vineyards in Napa Valley, at the Trellis Room as he demonstrates the unique pairing of five of his award winning wines with a decadent five course meal. For $110, wine enthusiasts and amateurs alike will enjoy table-side Bordeaux blending while soaking in the knowledge and enthusiasm of Bourassa, who encourages the motto "celebrate life." Reservations are required at the Mobile restaurant and begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information or to make reservations, call 251.338.5373.  To learn more about Bourassa Vineyards, visit www.bourassavineyards.com.

Valentine's Day Menu – Sunday, February 14

On Valentine's Day, enjoy a memorable evening under the romantic arched Tiffany stained glass ceiling of the Trellis Room. For $85, enjoy a four course meal garnished with elegant ambiance and a prompt and professional staff delivering an unforgettable experience.  Begin your evening with unique dishes such as duck confit and phyllo or shrimp bisque. Try the prime filet of beef or loupe de mer for the third course and finish the meal with raspberry and dark chocolate "layer cake" or passion fruit cheesecake. Seating times are 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  For reservations call 251.338.5373, and for more information, find us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/trellisroom).

About The Battle House, A Renaissance Hotel & Spa

The Battle House Hotel, originally built in 1852, has been restored to all its original grandeur.  The four diamond hotel reopened in May 2007 and has since received a number of accolades including being named as one of the "Top 500 Hotels in the World" by Travel + Leisure in 2009 and as one of National Geographic Traveler's "Top Places to Stay" in North America.  With a mixture of classical elegance and traditional Southern charm, The Battle House features 238 guest rooms and suites, a world-class spa and three unique restaurants.  For more information on Mobile, AL, vacations or the Battle House, A Renaissance Hotel & Spa, please visit www.rsabattlehouse.com.

Media Contact:

Bill Lang, Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, (205) 298-7128; bill.lang@pchresorts.com

SOURCE The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa

RELATED LINKS
http://www.rsabattlehouse.com

Puerto Rico Gov. Luis Fortuno is urging U.S. lawmakers to preserve the intent of the long-standing rum cover over program originally created by Congress to provide budgetary support to the territorial governments, expressing concern that plans of the U.S. Virgin Islands to use the federal tax dollars to provide excessive subsidies to individual rum companies will thwart competition, endanger the rum cover over program and destroy the Puerto Rican rum industry.

In letters to U.S. Senate Finance Committee members, Gov. Fortuno also called for Senate passage of a key extension of the program which provides Puerto Rico's government with federal taxes on rum produced on the Island and in foreign counties. Permanent law gives Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands $10.50 of the $13.50 per proof gallon tax on rum distilled in each territory and in foreign countries. Temporary law, which expired Dec. 31 and requires recurring congressional approval, provides an additional $2.75 per proof gallon. The U.S. House approved the extension in December.

"I am writing to respectfully request that the grant of the additional $2.75 be extended as proposed by the President and the House of Representatives, and that you act to ensure federal revenue is not used to excessively subsidize companies that produce rum," Gov. Fortuno wrote.

At issue are plans by the Government of the Virgin Islands to use most of the federal tax to individually benefit two large corporations that brand and sell rum. One of the arrangements would directly and indirectly give a company more than $60 million of the federal tax a year for 30 years -- almost half of the tax that the federal government would give the territory and more than double the cost of producing the rum. This level of subsidy would essentially guarantee that the company could undercut all competition in the marketplace and still make a profit on every bottle sold.

Under this scenario, Gov. Fortuno argued, Puerto Rican producers would find it very difficult if not impossible to compete with distillers subsidized to the extent planned in the Virgin Islands.

"There would likely be pressure on the Government of Puerto Rico to grant similar excessive subsidies but doing so would further diminish revenue to the territorial treasury -- and transfer federal tax dollars away from the needs of the people and to private businesses," he wrote.

The Governor said the planned subsidies imperil the entire Puerto Rico rum industry, jeopardizing all of the federal tax given to the territory -- almost 6.5 percent of the budget -- and the additional revenue, the jobs, and the substantial spin-off of economic benefits created by the industry.

Puerto Rico uses 94 percent of the federal tax revenue to support much-needed investments in infrastructure, health, education, the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust and other environmental protection, and the Puerto Rico Life Sciences Trust. Approximately six percent of the funds go support marketing, efficiency and innovation initiatives of the industry as a whole and do not directly benefit individual rum companies. The Governor said this limitation keeps the use of the funds true to the original intent of Congress in transferring the taxes to the local government. He added that a local law has been in place in Puerto Rico since 1969 capping industry marketing support to 10 percent.

There is ample precedent for limiting the use of the funds, the Governor wrote. For example, the law provides that collections of the tax will not be transferred to territorial treasuries if a "Federal excise tax subsidy" has been provided for the product in the case of goods other than distilled spirits. Additionally, for many years, the Virgin Islands' use of the rum tax grants had to be approved by the President of the United States or his designee, he said.

The Governor noted that Puerto Rico's resident commissioner, Pedro Pierluisi, and eight other members of the U.S. House of Representatives of both parties have sponsored a bill, H.R. 2122, to limit to 10 percent the amount of taxes covered into the treasuries of the territories that can be used to subsidize rum production. He also stressed that the federal taxes at issue have not even been collected yet and their use is fully within the purview of the Congress to determine or limit.

"I hope that the Senate will pass this legislation if sent to it or approve a similar measure," Gov. Fortuno said.

**For a fact sheet on the rum tax issue, please visit: www.prfaa.com/news/.

SOURCE Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration

RELATED LINKS

As the nation reflects on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the contributions of African Americans during Black History Month, an economic crisis continues to impact communities across the country with unemployment continuing to escalate.  Despite gains in income among African Americans – a new report based on U.S. Census Bureau data shows that Black households making $75,000 annually has increased by 47 percent in the last five years – unemployment among African Americans continues to climb with African American men among the most adversely affected.  To address rising unemployment among African American men, which is at a record 34.5%, Seagram's has announced plans to continue its successful and unprecedented job training and mentoring program, the Pursuit of Excellence Institute in four of the hardest hit cities in the nation: Atlanta, Chicago, Tampa and Columbia, South Carolina.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090128/NY63819LOGO )

Recently featured in Jet magazine, the Seagram's Pursuit of Excellence Institute is a rigorous, four-week training session funded by Seagram's and administered by the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency, Chicago Urban League, the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa and the Columbia Urban League. The 2010 program will provide grants totaling $100,000 to the participating organizations for the administration and oversight of the program.  The program will also pair participants with successful and inspiring individuals for one-on-mentoring and guidance. In addition to completing weekly take-home assignments, participants will attend multiple training sessions including computer training, interview skill workshops, self-esteem building exercises, technical training classes, and dress-for-success and financial empowerment strategies.  Each participant will receive a $500 stipend, briefcase with weekly lesson plans and supplies, as well as a suit of clothing.  One outstanding participant from each city will receive a $2,500 fellowship and career-focused wardrobe.  

Originally introduced in 2008 by the Seagram's Gin family of brands in Atlanta and Chicago in conjunction with the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) and the Chicago Urban League (CUL), The Pursuit of Excellence Institute is designed to provide tangible opportunities to promising individuals.  The program also supports the efforts of social service organizations that work tirelessly to uplift and empower underserved communities.  In 2008, 20 men between the ages of 25 and 32 successfully completed the program.  In 2009, the program expanded into Tampa and Columbia, South Carolina bringing the total of successful candidates to 60 with more than 80 percent of them securing full time employment.  The program's impressive two-year track record has led to its return in 2010.

Adults across the country can access the curriculum and materials from the training sessions through exclusive partnerships with local radio stations who will offer the coursework from the program on their respective websites.  In addition leading radio personalities, including WGCI-FM Chicago's Leon Rogers, WVEE-FM Atlanta's Ryan Cameron and "Stu" Robinson of Tampa's WBTP-FM, will offer daily tips and insights for listeners in their respective cities.  More information on the Seagram's Pursuit of Excellence Institute can also be found at www.SeagramsGin.com

Candidates for the program were selected on the basis of a rigorous application and pre-screening process, including a "boardroom-style" interview with noted figures from the worlds of finance, social service, media, sports, entertainment and design.  The program will culminate with special graduation receptions in each city in late February. Seagram's will also continue to galvanize the support of major distributors Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. and Georgia Crown Distributing Co., resulting in internships in sales or marketing that can lead to potential full-time employment for program participants in each city.

"The Seagram's Pursuit of Excellence program is designed to provide deserving individuals with the tools they need to get on their feet – and to prepare and succeed in an increasingly competitive job market," says Bill Cherrie, vice president, multicultural marketing for Pernod Ricard USA, parent company of Seagram's Gin.  "Seagram's is committed to giving back to the communities in which we do business and to reinforcing our leadership position by setting the stage for others in the corporate sector to follow as we continue to address the critical issue of unemployment through action and positive change, one individual at a time."

"Seagram's Gin is proud to sponsor the Pursuit of Excellence Institute for the third consecutive year," comments Abegail Domond, global marketing director for Seagram's Gin.  "It is important for us as the category leader to support innovative initiatives that celebrate the best of our society while leading the charge in making a positive difference in people's lives.  We are therefore very excited about this program and the success rate it has had in transforming the lives of nearly 100 men across the country and creating tangible opportunities for their professional and personal development."

The Pursuit of Excellence Institute is a signature program conceived and developed on behalf of Seagram's Gin and Pernod Ricard USA by Ruder Finn's Multicultural & Image Marketing Group.  

About Seagram's Gin

Since its launch in 1939, Seagram's Gin has acquired a loyal and enthusiastic following of gin connoisseurs nationwide.  Recognized as the leading gin in the United States, Seagram's Gin has preserved the finest qualities of the original product – both inside and outside the signature bumpy bottle.  Seagram's Gin has become the favorite of gin and vodka drinkers seeking to add a new and flavorful dimension to their cocktails.  Available in exciting and bold flavor sensations, products include the original Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, the premium Seagram's Distiller's Reserve Gin, the award-winning Seagram's Orange Twisted Gin, Seagram's Lime Twisted Gin, Seagram's Apple Twisted Gin, as well as a full line of Seagram's Gin & Juice pre-mixed cocktail products, including the new Seagram's Gin & Juice Tropical Thunder.  For eight consecutive years, Seagram's Gin has presented the celebrated Seagram's Live concert tour, bringing the very best of contemporary urban music to adult audiences nationwide.  

About Pernod Ricard USA

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA. In July, 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT® Vodka brand from the V&S Group.

In addition to ABSOLUT®, Pernod Ricard USA's leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Martell® Cognac, Malibu® flavored Rum, Kahlua® Liqueur, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod® and Ricard®; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier Jouet® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.  The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 employees across the country. 

Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org

About The Atlanta Workforce Development Agency

The Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) is a bureau of the City of Atlanta under the Executive Offices of the Mayor.  AWDA's primary purpose is to administer employment and training programs mandated under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 to the citizens of Atlanta to offer workforce solution services to the metro Atlanta businesses.  AWDA programs are

preparing Atlanta's current and future workforce for the ever-changing labor demands. In 2007, AWDA served over 60,000 customers. Hundreds of customers obtain employment through AWDA's weekly job fairs. Other programs include GED and SAT preparation courses, resume-writing assistance, job-readiness skill workshops and the Mayor's Youth Program.

About the Chicago Urban League

Established in 1916, the Chicago Urban League is a civil rights organization that empowers and inspires individuals to reach and exceed their economic potential. The League focuses on growing Chicago's African American workforce and business community.  To that end, the Chicago Urban League is pursuing three strategies that advance its mission:

  • ensuring that African American children are well-educated and equipped for economic self-reliance in the 21st century;
  • helping adults attain economic self-sufficiency through gainful employment, home ownership, entrepreneurship and wealth accumulation; and,
  • ensuring the civil rights of African Americans by eradicating barriers to equal participation in the economic and social mainstream of American life.

About the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa

The Corporation to Develop Communities (CDC) of Tampa, Inc. creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to job training and placement, affordable housing, and youth programs.  The CDC, incorporated in 1992, for the purpose of alleviating poverty and physical deterioration in Hillsborough County's East Tampa Community. CDC of Tampa is a member of the NeighborWorks® network, consisting of 240 private nonprofit affiliates that work in nearly 4,500 urban, rural and suburban communities nationwide.

About the Columbia Urban League

The Columbia Urban League is dedicated to youth education and empowerment.  Through college scholarships, the Urban League is doing its part to ensure that all children are well educated and prepared for the future. For more information about the Urban League scholarships, please visit www.columbiaurbanleague.org.

About Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.

Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc., the nation's leading wine and spirits distributor and control states broker, with a tradition of service excellence since 1968 and proud to be celebrating its 40th anniversary, operates in 29 states and recently has announced plans to form a strategic joint venture with The Glazer's Companies, headquartered in Addison, Texas, in all Glazer's markets excluding Arizona. In addition, Southern is a licensed permittee in the state of Nebraska. The Company also has a pending strategic partnership with The Odom Corporation of Bellevue, Washington, a joint venture that has wine and spirits brokerage operations across the Northwest control states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, as well as a fully-operational sales and distribution business in Alaska. On a national basis, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. employs more than 10,000 team members. For more information contact: www.southernwine.com.

About Georgia Crown Distributing Company

Georgia Crown Distributing Co. is a full service beverage distributor, with wholesale operations doing business in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, selling imported and domestic spirits, wines, beers and specialty products.

Contact:

Helen Shelton

Ruder Finn, Inc.

212-593-6443

sheltonh@ruderfinn.com


SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA

RELATED LINKS
http://www.SeagramsGin.com

The boutique Argentinean vineyard that produces Ikal1150 wines www.1150wine.com is tempting wine drinkers to set down their wine glasses and pick up their pens to write a poem about their passion for wine and the ways it adds to their lives.

The company's "Poetry in a Bottle" contest will award the winning poet with a three-night stay in a luxury suite at the Esencia Estate www.esenciaestate.com in Mexico's Riviera Maya, one of the first spots to serve Ikal1150 wines and a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The package includes daily breakfast and a private wine and food pairing for two at the hotel's gourmet restaurant.

The hotel's location is especially relevant to the Ikal1150 contest since "Ikal" means "poetry" in the native language of the Mayan people, who have long called the area around the hotel home. The winning poem, or portions of it, will also be considered for inclusion on a limited edition bottle label for one of the company's wines, which themselves have been said to be like "poetry in a bottle."

"Since the beginning, our wines have inspired our customers to enjoy and ponder the special moments in their lives," said Sandra Beltran, co-founder of the winery. "This contest encourages them to put their thoughts to words in a way that can be easily shared with others."

The contest will run from February 1 to 28. Beginning February 14, Valentine's Day, the poems submitted for the contest will be posted on Ikal1150's Facebook page www.facebook.com/ikal1150 so contestants and wine enthusiasts can review the poems and vote for their favorite. In the mean time poems can be sent to admin@ikal1150.com. The winery will consider finalists from the online voting to select the winning poem. Certain rules and restrictions apply. For more information log on to www.facebook.com/ikal1150?v=app_2347471856

"The creation of Ikal1150 was inspired by love and is devoted to reflect a lifestyle of people coming together, celebrating good times and enjoying relaxing moments," said Beltran, who co-founded the winery with her husband Jerry Ward. "We are happy to share some of the warmth and happiness that Ikal has brought to our lives." The '1150' in the wine's name comes from the altitude, in meters, of the winery's grape fields.

Part of what makes the wine so special, apart from the passion from which it is made, is the unique mouth feel that goes with every sip. "Our wines are Old World wines, which really allows you to appreciate their terroir," said Ward. "The wines can transport you to a place of peace and great beauty and it's easy to see why it makes people feel inspired. We are excited to see how this inspiration will turn into great poetry."

Ikal1150 was first introduced to the United States in 2009, with three varietals – a Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Chardonnay. The portfolio has since expanded to include a Torrontes and a Pinot Noir. The Pinot Noir has already won a bronze medal in the 2010 Houston Rodeo Bits and Bites Competition.

About Ikal1150 Wines:

The Ikal1150 vineyard is located in the hills of Mendoza, Argentina. The winery produces five distinctive vintages: a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Malbec, a Chardonnay a Torrontes and a Pinot Noir. The grapes are grown in sandy, rocky soil bathed with lots of sunshine by day and bright stars and cool dry air at night. The challenging soil conditions and temperature variance make the vines struggle and the fruit ripen slowly, giving the wines their signature body and distinct flavor, which wine drinkers describe as "poetry in a bottle," partly due to the name and partly due to the unique taste.

Ikal1150 only produces 2000 cases for the U.S. each year. The company's wines won the San Diego Critics Choice Award in 2008 and Bronze medals at the Houston Rodeo "Bits and Bites" competition in 2009 and in 2010 Silver and Bronze medals at the Houston Rodeo "Bits and Bites" competition

About the Creators:

The Ikal1150 winery was created by the same team that developed the distinguished small luxury hotels Ikal del Mar (now the Tides Rivera Maya) and Esencia in Mexico's Riviera Maya and represents an expansion of the company's reach into other products designed for consumers who appreciate the finer things in life. The wines are imported to the U.S. by Frutizia Wine Group, LLC.

Contact:

admin@ikal1150.com


405 Main Street, Suite 602


Houston, Texas 77002


admin@ikal1150.com


1.713.528.7862


SOURCE Ikal1150

RELATED LINKS
http://www.1150wine.com

Vegas Uncork'd Presented by Bon Appetit, one of the fastest-growing epicurean events in the United States, will be held May 6-9 in Las Vegas, coinciding with this year's Mother's Day weekend. The four-day fete features new events, new chefs and a diverse and richly enhanced program with the ultimate who's who in the food world, celebrating the status of Las Vegas as an international gastronomic destination.

In 2009, Vegas Uncork'd Presented by Bon Appetit experienced record attendance across the board—featuring an increase in participating chefs, new business partners and sponsors, and a 17 percent spike in ticket sales year over year. Building on that momentum, this year will feature more than 30 events blending the worlds of food, gaming and entertainment in the distinct way that makes Las Vegas so memorable.

The playground for Vegas Uncork'd Presented by Bon Appetit is destination wide and features this year's anchor partner resorts, each of which offers an enviable roster of on-site restaurants and in-house chefs: Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Wynn | Encore. Joining the lineup for the first time this year as an associate partner is The Venetian | The Palazzo. The event's charitable partner is the Three Square Food Bank, which is dedicated to providing wholesome food to hungry people, while passionately pursuing a hunger-free community.

"Due to its extraordinary cuisine and its international draw, Las Vegas is a global destination that offers wonderful fun in a unique setting," said Bon Appetit Vice President and Publisher Paul Jowdy. "Vegas Uncork'd Presented by Bon Appetit is a perfect opportunity to see the breadth of Las Vegas with its celebrity chefs and exquisite resorts paving the way."

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), Vegas Uncork'd Presented by Bon Appetit is designed to celebrate Las Vegas' ranking as the world's most exciting culinary destination. "Vegas Uncork'd Presented by Bon Appetit celebrates our culinary scene in a way unique to Las Vegas," said Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing, LVCVA. "It appeals to visitors drawn to top-tier epicurean experiences as well as the world-class resort atmosphere Las Vegas offers."

"2009 was an extremely successful year for the program in a difficult economic climate," said Rob O'Keefe, executive director of Vegas Uncork'd Presented by Bon Appetit. "Each year the program continues to build off its own momentum. As we enter into our fourth annual event, the growth continues as our partners and consumers spread the word that the combination of Las Vegas and its top culinary talent presents an epicurean festival not to be missed."

Highlights of this year's Vegas Uncork'd Presented by Bon Appetit schedule, which includes many new events, follow:

Culinary Conversation with Chef Wolfgang Puck – New to the program this year, Bon Appetit Editor-in-Chief Barbara Fairchild holds a tete-a-tete at Bellagio's Fontana Lounge with the icon that created the world of the celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck. Together, they trace the growth of Las Vegas as an international gastronomic destination.

Masters' Series Dinners –This event will be hosted at Caesars Palace with Bobby Flay at Mesa Grill, Bradley Ogden at Bradley Ogden, Restaurant Guy Savoy with Guy Savoy and Rao's with Carla Pellegrino.

Masters' Series Luncheons – Brand new to the lineup this year are luncheons at The Venetian | The Palazzo with Wolfgang Puck at CUT, David Burke with David Burke, Restaurant Charlie with Charlie Trotter and Piero Selvaggio's Valentino with Luciano Pellegrini and Piero Selvaggio.

Ultimate All-Star Interactive Luncheon – Step into the kitchen and play sous-chef to an all-star lineup of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Las Vegas chefs at this incredible interactive luncheon at Wynn | Encore with Paul Bartolotta, Frederic Robert, Alex Stratta and David Walzog.

Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace – A delectable evening featuring 50 restaurants and 50 vintners at the wildly expanded, five-acre Garden of the Gods pool complex at Caesars Palace.

Better by the Bay with Alain Ducasse and Charlie Palmer – Dine under the stars with a beachside barbecue at Mandalay Bay's 11-acre tropical water environment and 1.6 million gallon wave pool. Enjoy an East Coast-inspired menu from Charlie Palmer and tastes from coastal France created by Alain Ducasse. Beach attire required. New to the program this year.

Chef's Table with Alain Ducasse – New to the event lineup this year is a seat at the table with Chef Alain Ducasse, considered to be one of the most renowned French chefs of his generation, at miX, high atop THEhotel at Mandalay Bay. For the first time ever, a small group of Vegas Uncork'd guests will join him as he conducts his seasonal menu changes.

Fashion Feast: A Delicious Evening of Style and Taste at Bellagio – Haute cuisine meets savory couture––intricate details, impeccable lines and quality down to the last accessory on and off the plate. This event will deliver front row access to the most celebrated Bellagio chefs and the hottest Via Bellagio designers, while you indulge in a delectable five-course dinner accompanied by wine pairings selected by Bellagio's Wine Director and Master Sommelier Jason Smith. New to the program this year.

Celebrity Chef Blackjack – Try your luck poolside at Encore with icons of the culinary world such as Bobby Flay, Charlie Palmer, Joel Robuchon, Alex Stratta, Kim Canteenwalla and Carlos Guia. Afterward, the excitement continues at the spectacular XS nightclub.

Wine Immersion Experience at Bellagio – Want to know what the numbers really mean? Gain a better understanding of wine scores and ratings at a behind-the-scenes panel discussion hosted by Bellagio's Wine Director and Master Sommelier Jason Smith at Jasmine.  

Payard Patisserie and Bistro Tea & Dessert Demonstration at Caesars Palace – Celebrate Mother's Day weekend with a unique and scrumptious glimpse into the technique of this celebrated chef and his classic Parisian pastry shop. New to the program this year.

Culinary Theatre: Two Master Chefs CollideRick Moonen of rm Seafood Cafe and Hubert Keller of Fleur de Lys and Burger Bar have mastered the art of entertainment––both in the kitchen and on the stage. As they prepare their favorite signature dishes and "dish" about each other, you'll enjoy their delicious creations with a side of comedy and a cocktail or two. New to the program this year.

Mother's Day Brunch at L'Atelier at MGM Grand – Join Barbara Fairchild and Chef Joel Robuchon for an unforgettable celebration of mom on her special day. New to the program this year.

Many of these events are already on sale. To purchase tickets and to see more information about this year's event lineup, please visit www.VegasUncorked.com. There, you may also opt in to receive information about additional events as they are added to the schedule.

ABOUT Bon Appetit Magazine

Bon Appetit magazine, a Conde Nast Publication, celebrates the world of great food and the pleasure of sharing it with others. Every issue engages 8 million readers in a hands-on experience regarding all aspects of the epicurean lifestyle—cooking, dining out, wine and spirits, travel, entertaining, shopping and kitchen design.

Both creative inspiration and practical guide, Bon Appetit magazine delivers that just-right mix of sophistication and accessibility, indulgence and simplicity, and quality. Please visit http://www.bonappetit.com.

ABOUT THE LVCVA

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide, and also with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Center. With approximately 148,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and more than 10 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA mission centers on attracting ever-increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors to the area. For more information, go to http://www.lvcva.com or http://www.visitlasvegas.com.

Art is available upon request

SOURCE Vegas Uncork'd

RELATED LINKS
http://www.VegasUncorked.com

As the nation reflects on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the contributions of African Americans during Black History Month, an economic crisis continues to impact communities across the country with unemployment continuing to escalate.  Despite gains in income among African Americans – a new report based on U.S. Census Bureau data shows that Black households making $75,000 annually has increased by 47 percent in the last five years – unemployment among African Americans continues to climb with African American men among the most adversely affected.  To address rising unemployment among African American men, which is at a record 34.5%, Seagram's has announced plans to continue its successful and unprecedented job training and mentoring program, the Pursuit of Excellence Institute in four of the hardest hit cities in the nation: Atlanta, Chicago, Tampa and Columbia, South Carolina.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090128/NY63819LOGO )

Recently featured in Jet magazine, the Seagram's Pursuit of Excellence Institute is a rigorous, four-week training session funded by Seagram's and administered by the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency, Chicago Urban League, the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa and the Columbia Urban League. The 2010 program will provide grants totaling $100,000 to the participating organizations for the administration and oversight of the program.  The program will also pair participants with successful and inspiring individuals for one-on-mentoring and guidance. In addition to completing weekly take-home assignments, participants will attend multiple training sessions including computer training, interview skill workshops, self-esteem building exercises, technical training classes, and dress-for-success and financial empowerment strategies.  Each participant will receive a $500 stipend, briefcase with weekly lesson plans and supplies, as well as a suit of clothing.  One outstanding participant from each city will receive a $2,500 fellowship and career-focused wardrobe.  

Originally introduced in 2008 by the Seagram's Gin family of brands in Atlanta and Chicago in conjunction with the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) and the Chicago Urban League (CUL), The Pursuit of Excellence Institute is designed to provide tangible opportunities to promising individuals.  The program also supports the efforts of social service organizations that work tirelessly to uplift and empower underserved communities.  In 2008, 20 men between the ages of 25 and 32 successfully completed the program.  In 2009, the program expanded into Tampa and Columbia, South Carolina bringing the total of successful candidates to 60 with more than 80 percent of them securing full time employment.  The program's impressive two-year track record has led to its return in 2010.

Adults across the country can access the curriculum and materials from the training sessions through exclusive partnerships with local radio stations who will offer the coursework from the program on their respective websites.  In addition leading radio personalities, including WGCI-FM Chicago's Leon Rogers, WVEE-FM Atlanta's Ryan Cameron and "Stu" Robinson of Tampa's WBTP-FM, will offer daily tips and insights for listeners in their respective cities.  More information on the Seagram's Pursuit of Excellence Institute can also be found at www.SeagramsGin.com

Candidates for the program were selected on the basis of a rigorous application and pre-screening process, including a "boardroom-style" interview with noted figures from the worlds of finance, social service, media, sports, entertainment and design.  The program will culminate with special graduation receptions in each city in late February. Seagram's will also continue to galvanize the support of major distributors Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. and Georgia Crown Distributing Co., resulting in internships in sales or marketing that can lead to potential full-time employment for program participants in each city.

"The Seagram's Pursuit of Excellence program is designed to provide deserving individuals with the tools they need to get on their feet – and to prepare and succeed in an increasingly competitive job market," says Bill Cherrie, vice president, multicultural marketing for Pernod Ricard USA, parent company of Seagram's Gin.  "Seagram's is committed to giving back to the communities in which we do business and to reinforcing our leadership position by setting the stage for others in the corporate sector to follow as we continue to address the critical issue of unemployment through action and positive change, one individual at a time."

"Seagram's Gin is proud to sponsor the Pursuit of Excellence Institute for the third consecutive year," comments Abegail Domond, global marketing director for Seagram's Gin.  "It is important for us as the category leader to support innovative initiatives that celebrate the best of our society while leading the charge in making a positive difference in people's lives.  We are therefore very excited about this program and the success rate it has had in transforming the lives of nearly 100 men across the country and creating tangible opportunities for their professional and personal development."

The Pursuit of Excellence Institute is a signature program conceived and developed on behalf of Seagram's Gin and Pernod Ricard USA by Ruder Finn's Multicultural & Image Marketing Group.  

About Seagram's Gin

Since its launch in 1939, Seagram's Gin has acquired a loyal and enthusiastic following of gin connoisseurs nationwide.  Recognized as the leading gin in the United States, Seagram's Gin has preserved the finest qualities of the original product – both inside and outside the signature bumpy bottle.  Seagram's Gin has become the favorite of gin and vodka drinkers seeking to add a new and flavorful dimension to their cocktails.  Available in exciting and bold flavor sensations, products include the original Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, the premium Seagram's Distiller's Reserve Gin, the award-winning Seagram's Orange Twisted Gin, Seagram's Lime Twisted Gin, Seagram's Apple Twisted Gin, as well as a full line of Seagram's Gin & Juice pre-mixed cocktail products, including the new Seagram's Gin & Juice Tropical Thunder.  For eight consecutive years, Seagram's Gin has presented the celebrated Seagram's Live concert tour, bringing the very best of contemporary urban music to adult audiences nationwide.  

About Pernod Ricard USA

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA. In July, 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT® Vodka brand from the V&S Group.

In addition to ABSOLUT®, Pernod Ricard USA's leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Martell® Cognac, Malibu® flavored Rum, Kahlua® Liqueur, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod® and Ricard®; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier Jouet® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.  The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 employees across the country. 

Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org

About The Atlanta Workforce Development Agency

The Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) is a bureau of the City of Atlanta under the Executive Offices of the Mayor.  AWDA's primary purpose is to administer employment and training programs mandated under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 to the citizens of Atlanta to offer workforce solution services to the metro Atlanta businesses.  AWDA programs are

preparing Atlanta's current and future workforce for the ever-changing labor demands. In 2007, AWDA served over 60,000 customers. Hundreds of customers obtain employment through AWDA's weekly job fairs. Other programs include GED and SAT preparation courses, resume-writing assistance, job-readiness skill workshops and the Mayor's Youth Program.

About the Chicago Urban League

Established in 1916, the Chicago Urban League is a civil rights organization that empowers and inspires individuals to reach and exceed their economic potential. The League focuses on growing Chicago's African American workforce and business community.  To that end, the Chicago Urban League is pursuing three strategies that advance its mission:

  • ensuring that African American children are well-educated and equipped for economic self-reliance in the 21st century;
  • helping adults attain economic self-sufficiency through gainful employment, home ownership, entrepreneurship and wealth accumulation; and,
  • ensuring the civil rights of African Americans by eradicating barriers to equal participation in the economic and social mainstream of American life.

About the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa

The Corporation to Develop Communities (CDC) of Tampa, Inc. creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to job training and placement, affordable housing, and youth programs.  The CDC, incorporated in 1992, for the purpose of alleviating poverty and physical deterioration in Hillsborough County's East Tampa Community. CDC of Tampa is a member of the NeighborWorks® network, consisting of 240 private nonprofit affiliates that work in nearly 4,500 urban, rural and suburban communities nationwide.

About the Columbia Urban League

The Columbia Urban League is dedicated to youth education and empowerment.  Through college scholarships, the Urban League is doing its part to ensure that all children are well educated and prepared for the future. For more information about the Urban League scholarships, please visit www.columbiaurbanleague.org.

About Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.

Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc., the nation's leading wine and spirits distributor and control states broker, with a tradition of service excellence since 1968 and proud to be celebrating its 40th anniversary, operates in 29 states and recently has announced plans to form a strategic joint venture with The Glazer's Companies, headquartered in Addison, Texas, in all Glazer's markets excluding Arizona. In addition, Southern is a licensed permittee in the state of Nebraska. The Company also has a pending strategic partnership with The Odom Corporation of Bellevue, Washington, a joint venture that has wine and spirits brokerage operations across the Northwest control states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, as well as a fully-operational sales and distribution business in Alaska. On a national basis, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. employs more than 10,000 team members. For more information contact: www.southernwine.com.

About Georgia Crown Distributing Company

Georgia Crown Distributing Co. is a full service beverage distributor, with wholesale operations doing business in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, selling imported and domestic spirits, wines, beers and specialty products.

Contact:

Helen Shelton

Ruder Finn, Inc.

212-593-6443

sheltonh@ruderfinn.com


SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA

RELATED LINKS
http://www.SeagramsGin.com

Vina Concha y Toro ( VCO) informed today preliminary sales for the fourth quarter and year 2009. The company ended year 2009 with consolidated sales of Ch$353,552 million, showing a 12.3% increase as compared to year 2008. Growth was led by higher sales in foreign markets and an increase in wine and other product sales in Chile. For the year, total exported volume increased 8.7% and the domestic market grew 3.5%. Volume for the Argentine subsidiary decreased 4.9%.

For the quarter, total sales reached Ch$93,897 million, representing a 5.7% increase following positive growth in both the export and domestic markets. In the quarter, export volume increased 13.8% and the domestic market grew 3.6%. Sales volume for Argentina decreased 8.3%.


                          4Q2009   4Q2008  % change    2009     2008  % change
    Total Sales (millions
     of Chilean pesos)    93,897   88,798     5.7%  353,552  314,756    12.3%
    Export markets        65,874   63,894     3.1%  250,929  225,694    11.2%
    Domestic market -
     Wine                 14,213   12,959     9.7%   53,631   50,184     6.9%
    Domestic market -
     Other products        5,521    1,378   300.5%   14,824    4,154   256.8%
    Argentina              6,122    7,910   -22.6%   24,378   24,376     0.0%
    Other (1)              2,167    2,656   -18.4%    9,790   10,347    -5.4%

    Volumes               4Q2009   4Q2008  % change    2009     2008  % change
     (thousands of liters)
    Export markets        41,500   36,461    13.8%  158,188  145,468     8.7%
    Domestic market -
     Wine                 18,737   18,092     3.6%   74,235   71,742     3.5%
    Argentina              5,233    5,709    -8.3%   20,734   21,799    -4.9%

     (1) Includes bulk wine sales.


    Contact:
    Blanca Bustamante
    Head of Investor Relations
    Vina Concha y Toro
    (562) 476-5026

SOURCE Vina Concha y Toro

RELATED LINKS
http://www.conchaytoro.com/

Adolescents identify their parents as their primary source of obtaining alcohol, and parents are also the leading influence in a child's decision whether or not to drink. Seventy-four percent of youth report parents as the leading influence in their decision to drink or not to drink according to the 2008 Roper Youth Report. That is why Diageo, the world's leading spirits, wine and beer company is proud to support The Century Council's 'Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don't Mix' program held today and tomorrow at the US Snowboarding Grand Prix in Park City, Utah. Century Council programs encourage parents to have an ongoing dialogue with their kids about the dangers of alcohol, and provides effective resources to start the conversation.

"Diageo is proud to support The Century Council's 'Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don't Mix' program to empower parents to speak freely and effectively with their children in order to prevent underage drinking," said Stephenie Shah, Senior Director State Government Relations, Diageo North America. "Diageo has a zero tolerance policy towards underage drinking and intends for our beverages to be enjoyed by adults of legal drinking age."

The Century Council, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking, developed Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don't Mix to provide parents with information and strategies to help facilitate conversations with their middle school-aged kids about the dangers of underage drinking. Ask, Listen, Learn is a creative, multimedia program designed by a team of educators and psychologists specializing in middle school-aged students.

Utah's rates of underage drinking are consistently the lowest in the country and continue to drop, according to statistics provided by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health for the past two reporting periods. Examining youth aged 12-20, the statistics show past month underage drinking at 17% between 2006-2007 which illustrated a drop of 4% from the previous reporting period. This compares to a national underage past month drinking rate of 28% for both periods. According to research by The Century Council, 65% of teens get the alcohol they consume from family and friends.

Diageo is a founding member and major supporter of The Century Council and joins them in their commitment to developing programs eliminating drunk driving and underage drinking. These programs include 'Ask, Listen, Learn,' 'Parents, You're Not Done Yet' and 'Girl Talk'. The Century Council also works with a broad array of education and prevention professionals on alcohol issues.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE Diageo

RELATED LINKS
http://www.Diageo.com

GuestTek International, Inc. (Pink Sheets: GESM) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has approved a dividend of restricted common stock of Shot Spirits Corporation (Pink Sheets: SSPT) for shareholders of record as of today, January 15, 2010. GuestTek shareholders are to receive 2 shares of Shot Spirits Corporation stock for every 3 shares they own of GuestTek International stock as of the Record Date; no fractional shares shall be issued. Shot Spirits Corporation is currently trading at approximately $.004 per share.

GuestTek recently completed the sale of its GuestMetrics subsidiary to Shot Spirits in return for $5 Million, paid in the form of restricted common shares of Shot Spirits stock to GuestTek in November 2009. The Company retained the right to market and sell GuestMetrics' software products, for which GuestTek will receive a commission on all net revenue generated from software sales.

"This dividend is to thank our shareholders for their loyalty as GuestTek International continues to fulfill its business strategy," stated David Lovatt, Chairman and CEO of GuestTek International, Inc.

For more details on GuestTek International accomplishments in 2009 and expectations for 2010 read the Company's "President's Letter" posted on: www.guesttek-inc.com

About Shot Spirits Corporation:

Shot Spirits Corporation has operations through its two wholly owned subsidiaries, Shot Spirits International, Inc. and GuestMetrics, Inc. Shot Spirits International, Inc. is a beverage company focused on products for the on premise and off premise market place. GuestMetrics, Inc. (www.guestmetrics.com) is a leading provider of customer insight solutions for the hospitality industry, its suppliers and distributors. The GuestMetrics software is fully integrated with the leading point of sale (POS) systems and allows hospitality providers at every level of the market to improve business operations.

About GuestTek International:

GuestTek International specializes in cloud based technologies that use the Internet to deliver business critical applications via a global network of partners. GuestTek International plans to grow via strategic acquisition over the coming 12 months as well as strong sales through its subsidiary,

Enable Software Ltd.

Enable Software Ltd., a European based email management software solutions company, works exclusively with IT Service Providers to furnish them with the very latest in email management solutions for the modern market place. Their solution covers everything from Archiving, Anti-Spam, Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity.

For more information, please visit www.guesttek-inc.com

Safe Harbor Statement:

The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control.

SOURCE GuestTek International, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.guesttek-inc.com

Chicago's Best Bars
January 22, 2010

From cozy taverns to trendy cocktail boutiques, romantic wine bars to raucous sports taps, hot clubs to scruffy dives, Chicago has plenty to offer. If you want to spark up your nightlife, you won't want to miss what Chicago has in store this month.

For the February issue of Chicago magazine, which hits newsstands Thursday, writers researched thousands of spots, visited hundreds, and produced a discerning guide to the 100 best bars in the city and suburbs.

"This is a terrific resource for getting the most out of the city," says Richard Babcock, Chicago editor. "Our list has something for everyone—a casual wine bar, a homey tavern, a place to watch the game, or somewhere to listen to local artists."  

This month's issue also features Our Man in London. The retired Chicago businessman Louis Susman recently became the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, an appointment widely regarded as the prize for his ferocious fundraising on behalf of the Obama campaign. Other world powers look askance at the use of ambassadorships as political rewards.

Elsewhere in the February issue of Chicago:

  • Deal Estate®: It's a buyers' market, as a comparison of house sales in 2007 and 2009 reveals. Plus: New city condo projects.  
  • Style: We tested dozens of new fragrances and then whittled the list down to the ten best. Plus: The Cozzini sisters bring a pair of luxe boutiques to the Gold Coast.

Chicago editor Richard Babcock, managing editor Shane Tritsch, and other members of the magazine staff are available for on-air interviews about stories in the February issue. Contact Kate Mersman at 312-222-3165 to schedule an interview.

About Chicago magazine

Chicago magazine is the largest monthly city magazine in the country, with a circulation of more than 155,000. In addition, the company publishes several other titles, including Chicago Home+Garden and Chicago FASHION magazines. Chicago magazine has been honored with many awards, including, in 2004, the most prestigious -- the Ellie award for General Excellence in its circulation category, bestowed by the American Society of Magazine Editors.

About Chicago Tribune Media Group

Chicago Tribune Media Group publishes the Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune as well as related print and interactive media serving Chicagoland like RedEye, Hoy, Triblocal, TheMash, chicagotribune.com, triblocal.com and metromix.com.

SOURCE Chicago magazine

The makers of Tanqueray® gin announced today the launch of its WeResistSimple.com blog. The online destination will connect consumers with celebrities, rising stars and a host of personalities who live rich, bold, interesting lives.  WeResistSimple.com rejects things that are bland and embraces vibrant careers, lifestyles and progressive culture.

"Just as Tanqueray is a gin chosen by people who embrace extraordinary things in life, WeResistSimple.com will serve as the ultimate portal for people to consume thought-provoking content from those who choose to stray from that which is predictable in their everyday lifestyle," said Bill Topf, vice president of marketing for Tanqueray.  "Through WeResistSimple.com, we will celebrate these individuals who are not afraid to embrace complexity and encourage others to join them."

This original platform of brand-curated information will feature blog posts from a panel of notables.  Their musings will touch upon a variety of subjects from film and family to nightlife and politics in a way that reflects their approach to getting the most out of the demanding lives people lead in today's complex world.  These accomplished individuals will each author posts that will seek to connect with and inspire people who share the same thirst for life.  

Tanqueray WeResistSimple.com bloggers include:


  • Hill Harper - Actor
  • the.LIFE files - Blogger
  • Sal Masekela - TV Personality
  • Eddie Cruz - Sneaker Aficionado
  • Mariel Haenn - Celebrity Stylist
  • Kali Erwin - Mixologist
  • Talib Kweli - Hip Hop Artist
  • Dao-Yi Chow - Fashion Designer
  • Jonathan Mannion - Photographer
  • James Andrews - Social Media Guru
  • Coltrane Curtis - Entrepreneur
  • Jason Geter - Entertainment Executive
  • Rickey Kim - Editor & Blogger

  • Pete Chatmon - Film Maker

  • Vashtie - Music Video Director


Through their personal social media footprints and diverse backgrounds these influencers will provide exclusive insight into their lives and connect readers to their social network of today's most notable and fascinating icons.

"I live by a simple credo. 'There is no box.'  The second you start limiting your full potential by letting society dictate what you're truly capable of is the second you stop living," said TV personality Sal Masekela.  "I'm honored to be amongst this diverse squad of individuals who have repeatedly chosen to break ground instead of building on an old foundation.  With WeResistSimple.com, Tanqueray celebrates this movement and offers consumers a unique opportunity to celebrate individuality and responsibility at the same time."

Please visit WeResistSimple.com for more information.  Tanqueray reminds consumers to drink responsibly.

About Tanqueray

TANQUERAY® London Dry Gin is a dry, crisp, gin with a rich juniper flavor. Known for its iconic green bottle and red emblem, TANQUERAY London Dry Gin is the number one imported gin in the United States and is one of the world's most award-winning white spirits. TANQUERAY gin, TANQUERAY No. TEN gin, TANQUERAY RANGPUR gin and TANQUERAY STERLING vodka together create the renowned portfolio of TANQUERAY, where perfection and craftsmanship maintain a history that reaches back 175 years. Additional information about the TANQUERAY brand may be found at http://www.tanqueray.com

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business and industry leader in promoting responsible drinking, with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 200 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com.  For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.


MEDIA CONTACTS:


Maeve Hagen

Erica J. Johnson

Taylor

Diageo

(212) 714-5743

(646) 223-2038

mhagen@taylorpr.com

Erica.johnson@Diageo.com



 

SOURCE Diageo

RELATED LINKS
http://weresistsimple.com
http://www.tanqueray.com

Enjoying wine for dinner and entertaining without emptying your wallet is easy, thanks to online grocer, FreshDirect and Union Square Wine & Spirits (USQ). USQ offers almost 200 wines for under $20 and with the new selection of the 'Top 20 under $20,' their wine experts have chosen their favorites picks for under $20 to help take the guesswork out of shopping for quality, value wines. Enjoying great wine is possible anytime without worrying about breaking the bank.  

Find Great Wine without the Guesswork

USQ has worked closely with FreshDirect to find quality wines that complement FreshDirect's wide array of fresh foods, cheeses, breads, fruits and chef-prepared meals. In making selections for the Top 20 under $20 program, wines were chosen not only based on affordability, but also on flavors that appeal to both the casual consumer and serious wine aficionado.

"'The Top 20 under $20' program shines a spotlight on some of the world's great wine bargains," stated Jesse Salazar, Wine Director at Union Square Wines & Spirits. "We've chosen our favorites in the under $20 category to guide FreshDirect's customers to experience great quality wines that they might have missed before."

What wine goes with seafood?

For customers unsure of what wine goes with what foods, each wine has a comprehensive onsite description at the USQ store reached through www.freshdirect.com, detailing its attributes, which foods it complements and what to avoid.  Prices for wines currently featured in the 'Top 20 under $20' range from as low as $5.99 to $19.99. Now, having great wine at dinner is both easy and affordable every day, whether you're eating pizza by the TV or lamb by candlelight.

A few wine selections from the 'Top 20 under $20' include:

Cristalino Brut Cava $8.99

Crafted with grapes grown in vineyards just outside of Barcelona, Spain, this festive wine is full of apple, citrus and toast aromas. A sparkling wine, it's great for mimosas or a Champagne toast. Pair this light and fruity wine with traditional Spanish food or fresh seafood, but skip the heavy meal and serve with light fare.

Naia Verdejo $12.99

This fragrant white wine imported from Spain is perfect with seafood and its aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry and kiwi gives it a fresh and fruity scent. It pairs best with anything from the sea such as fresh shrimp, but will go with most any food. If you want it to excel, skip the burgers and stews.

Beringer Founder's Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $8.99

Cabernet offers the rich ripe flavors of the Californian grape embodied with the flavors of currant, spice and soft tannis.  It's a great wine for a weekend with friends gathered around a pan of lasagna or a bowl of penne. It's a bit too bold for flavors such as steamed fish so skip the pizza with anchovies.  

Juan Gil Albacea Monastrell $11.99

Wine lovers don't want to miss this Spanish bargain from Miguel Gil, proprietor of Bodegas Juan Gil who helped put the little known Jumilla region on the map. Aromas of smoke-infused blackberry, cedar and pepper add to its fragrance making this wine delicious with pizza, burgers and pastas. It even keeps its flavor corked and in the fridge for up to 2 days.

For the full list of the 'Top 20 under $20' and for more information about USQ and FreshDirect, visit to www.freshdirect.com!

About Union Square Wine & Spirits

USQ continually sets the standard as a leader in the wine and spirit industry by providing consumers an impressive array of reds, whites and sparkling wines from around the world.  By traveling to vineyards in Campania, Italy, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Langenlois, Austria, California's spectacular coastal vineyards, USQ searches out, tastes and secures the finest wines for their customers. A valued partner of FreshDirect's since 2008, USQ's expertise in pairing food and wine has been an asset to both the customer searching out "food friendly wines" and the serious food and wine gourmet.

About FreshDirect

FreshDirect is one of the nation's leading online food brands and grocery providers, known for its convenient home delivery service and the manufacture of fresh, delicious food. Changing the way customers shop for groceries since 2002, the company uses a direct distribution model with in-house, overnight production that cuts out the middleman and helps FreshDirect offer farm-fresh food at prices up to 20% lower than conventional grocery stores. Every product is 100% satisfactory guaranteed, every time. Thanks to expert daily ratings, FreshDirect customers can easily shop for best of the season in produce and seafood. Only at FreshDirect, the online shopping experience is highly personalized with smart shopping features that help customers track their favorites, remember missed items, shop from previous orders and get recommendations on new foods they might like. FreshDirect has also teamed up with top New York City chefs and restaurants to bring customers quick, restaurant-quality prepared meals, unavailable anywhere else. FreshDirect has fulfilled more than ten million orders to date. Its ever-expanding service area includes most of Manhattan, locations in Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Bronx, as well as parts of New Jersey, Westchester and Nassau County. FreshDirect ranks 62 on Internet Retailers America's Top 500 guide. For more information, visit www.freshdirect.com.

SOURCE FreshDirect

RELATED LINKS
http://www.freshdirect.com

Vina Concha y Toro ( VCO) informed today preliminary sales for the fourth quarter and year 2009. The company ended year 2009 with consolidated sales of Ch$353,552 million, showing a 12.3% increase as compared to year 2008. Growth was led by higher sales in foreign markets and an increase in wine and other product sales in Chile. For the year, total exported volume increased 8.7% and the domestic market grew 3.5%. Volume for the Argentine subsidiary decreased 4.9%.

For the quarter, total sales reached Ch$93,897 million, representing a 5.7% increase following positive growth in both the export and domestic markets. In the quarter, export volume increased 13.8% and the domestic market grew 3.6%. Sales volume for Argentina decreased 8.3%.


                          4Q2009   4Q2008  % change    2009     2008  % change
    Total Sales (millions
     of Chilean pesos)    93,897   88,798     5.7%  353,552  314,756    12.3%
    Export markets        65,874   63,894     3.1%  250,929  225,694    11.2%
    Domestic market -
     Wine                 14,213   12,959     9.7%   53,631   50,184     6.9%
    Domestic market -
     Other products        5,521    1,378   300.5%   14,824    4,154   256.8%
    Argentina              6,122    7,910   -22.6%   24,378   24,376     0.0%
    Other (1)              2,167    2,656   -18.4%    9,790   10,347    -5.4%

    Volumes               4Q2009   4Q2008  % change    2009     2008  % change
     (thousands of liters)
    Export markets        41,500   36,461    13.8%  158,188  145,468     8.7%
    Domestic market -
     Wine                 18,737   18,092     3.6%   74,235   71,742     3.5%
    Argentina              5,233    5,709    -8.3%   20,734   21,799    -4.9%

     (1) Includes bulk wine sales.


    Contact:
    Blanca Bustamante
    Head of Investor Relations
    Vina Concha y Toro
    (562) 476-5026

SOURCE Vina Concha y Toro

RELATED LINKS
http://www.conchaytoro.com/

GuestTek International, Inc. (Pink Sheets: GESM) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has approved a dividend of restricted common stock of Shot Spirits Corporation (Pink Sheets: SSPT) for shareholders of record as of today, January 15, 2010. GuestTek shareholders are to receive 2 shares of Shot Spirits Corporation stock for every 3 shares they own of GuestTek International stock as of the Record Date; no fractional shares shall be issued. Shot Spirits Corporation is currently trading at approximately $.004 per share.

GuestTek recently completed the sale of its GuestMetrics subsidiary to Shot Spirits in return for $5 Million, paid in the form of restricted common shares of Shot Spirits stock to GuestTek in November 2009. The Company retained the right to market and sell GuestMetrics' software products, for which GuestTek will receive a commission on all net revenue generated from software sales.

"This dividend is to thank our shareholders for their loyalty as GuestTek International continues to fulfill its business strategy," stated David Lovatt, Chairman and CEO of GuestTek International, Inc.

For more details on GuestTek International accomplishments in 2009 and expectations for 2010 read the Company's "President's Letter" posted on: www.guesttek-inc.com

About Shot Spirits Corporation:

Shot Spirits Corporation has operations through its two wholly owned subsidiaries, Shot Spirits International, Inc. and GuestMetrics, Inc. Shot Spirits International, Inc. is a beverage company focused on products for the on premise and off premise market place. GuestMetrics, Inc. (www.guestmetrics.com) is a leading provider of customer insight solutions for the hospitality industry, its suppliers and distributors. The GuestMetrics software is fully integrated with the leading point of sale (POS) systems and allows hospitality providers at every level of the market to improve business operations.

About GuestTek International:

GuestTek International specializes in cloud based technologies that use the Internet to deliver business critical applications via a global network of partners. GuestTek International plans to grow via strategic acquisition over the coming 12 months as well as strong sales through its subsidiary,

Enable Software Ltd.

Enable Software Ltd., a European based email management software solutions company, works exclusively with IT Service Providers to furnish them with the very latest in email management solutions for the modern market place. Their solution covers everything from Archiving, Anti-Spam, Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity.

For more information, please visit www.guesttek-inc.com

Safe Harbor Statement:

The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control.

SOURCE GuestTek International, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.guesttek-inc.com

Central European Distribution Corporation (Nasdaq: CEDC) today announced it has agreed to grant the exclusive importation rights of Zubrowka Vodka in the United States to Remy Cointreau USA, Inc.  As a result, Remy Cointreau USA, will be the exclusive import agent for the Zubrowka brand of Vodka produced by CEDC in Poland.  Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka, which traces its origins to 14th century Poland, is one of the most popular selling vodkas in Poland today, and is sold in over 50 countries worldwide. It is a favorite of European barmen because of its very unique flavor which is derived from "bison grass", an aromatic plant from northern Poland. Remy Cointreau USA, a subsidiary of Remy Cointreau, SA, a world leader in premium spirits, is also the exclusive importer of premium and ultra premium brands such as Remy Martin® Cognac, Cointreau® Liqueur, and Metaxa® Greek Liqueurs.

William Carey, President and CEO commented, "We are pleased to further our cooperation with Remy through this import agreement with Remy.  Remy is one of the leaders in the U.S. for sales and marketing of premium spirits in the on-premise channel.  In addition to their own premium brands, Remy is the import agent for The Macallan®, The Famous Grouse®, and Highland Park® Scotch Whiskies in the US.  We believe that Remy is a perfect partner for further expansion and development of the Zubrowka vodka brand in the US with their complementary portfolio and we look forward to our joint cooperation on the development of this brand."

Thomas Jensen, President and CEO of Remy Cointreau USA added, "We believe Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka is a nice fit with our portfolio of premium spirits in the USA.  We take great pride in only representing brands that are authentic and offer consumers a real point of difference and Zubrowka delivers on this proposition."

CEDC is the largest vodka producer in Poland and Russia and produces the Green Mark, Absolwent, Zubrowka, Bols, Parliament, Zhuravli and Soplica brands, among others. CEDC currently exports Zubrowka, Green Mark and Soplica to many markets around the world, including the United States, England, France and Japan. CEDC also produces and distributes Royal Vodka, the top selling vodka in Hungary.

CEDC also is the leading national distributor of alcoholic beverages in Poland by value, and a leading importer of alcoholic beverages in Poland, Russia and Hungary. In Poland, CEDC imports many of the world's leading brands, including brands such as Carlo Rossi Wines, Concha y Toro wines, Metaxa Liqueur, Remy Martin Cognac, Guinness, Sutter Home wines, Grant's Whisky, Jagermeister, E&J Gallo, Jim Beam Bourbon, Sierra Tequila, Teacher's Whisky, Campari, Cinzano, Skyy Vodka and Old Smuggler. CEDC is also a leading importer of premium spirits and wines in Russia with such brands as Hennessey, Moet & Chandon and Concha y Toro, among others.

This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, without limitation, statements regarding our strategies, focus, beliefs and expectations. Forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of CEDC to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by our forward looking statements.

Investors are cautioned that forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. CEDC undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements or to make any other forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required to do so by securities laws. Investors are referred to the full discussion of risks and uncertainties included in CEDC's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, including statements made under the captions "Item 1A. Risks Relating to Our Business" and in other documents filed by CEDC with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including CEDC's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 12, 2009.

Contact:

In the U.S.:

Jim Archbold

Investor Relations Officer

Central European Distribution Corporation

610-660-7817


In Europe:

Anna Zaluska

Corporate PR Manager

Central European Distribution Corporation

48-22-456-600


SOURCE CEDC

BACARDI® rum, the world's favorite and best-selling premium rum now tops 300 awards -- sustaining its title and position of "the world's most awarded rum."  This highlights the Bacardi commitment and dedication to producing a range of rums of exceptional quality and great taste.

Bacardi has a well documented history of superior rum-making since its founding in 1862 in Santiago de Cuba when Don Facundo Bacardi Masso revolutionized the spirits industry by creating the world's first light-bodied rums and flavored rums.  For nearly 150 years, through seven generations of Don Facundo's descendants, Bacardi has focused on quality, taste and excellence. BACARDI rum has been recognized and awarded in sixteen countries around the world.

Some of the recent accolades the BACARDI rum portfolio has secured include the top awards at the World Spirits Awards in Bad Kleinkirchheim, Austria; the Monde Selection in Brussels; the International Wine & Spirit in London; and the International Review of Spirits in Chicago.

In addition to these awards, BACARDI 8 rum just received critical acclaim in The New York Times. The New York Times spirits panel pronounced BACARDI 8 as having "the ring of true rum authority" and declared, "...the Bacardi was our best value."

Because of its exceptional taste and quality, BACARDI rum was chosen for the creation of some of the world's most loved and timeless cocktails.  The Mojito was created with BACARDI® Superior rum in 1862; The Daiquiri was created with BACARDI Superior in 1898. The Cuba Libre -- BACARDI® Gold rum and COCA-COLA® -- was first mixed in 1900, and the original Pina Colada was made with BACARDI Superior in 1922.  For nearly a century and a half, BACARDI rum has been at the heart of making great tasting cocktails.

With BACARDI rum you will find consistency in taste and quality all over the world as it is specifically blended to the same flavor profile no matter where it is enjoyed.

BACARDI -- the most awarded rum in the world.

About BACARDI Rums

In 1862, in Santiago de Cuba, Bacardi revolutionized the spirits industry when founder Don Facundo Bacardi Masso began producing his remarkable light-bodied, smooth rum – BACARDI, the world's favorite premium rum brand.  Today, BACARDI Rum is produced in multiple locations including Puerto Rico and Mexico, following the production legacy set forth by Don Facundo.

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import, sales and marketing arm of one of the world's leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDI®  rum, the world's favorite and best-selling premium rum, as well as the world's most awarded premium rum; GREY GOOSE® vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka; DEWAR'S® Blended Scotch Whisky, the number-one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, the top-valued premium gin in the world; CAZADORES® blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in the world; MARTINI® vermouth, the world-leader in vermouth; and other leading and emerging brands.


For additional information:

Cortney Silverman, Senior Account Executive

CORBIN-HILLMAN COMMUNICATIONS

(212) 246-3586 / Cortney@corbinpr.com


Joe Gerbino, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications & Public Relations

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

(786) 264-8421 / jgerbino@bacardi.com


THIRSTY FOR LIFE? DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

www.Bacardi.com

©2010 BACARDI AND THE BAT DEVICE ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF BACARDI & COMPANY LIMITED. BACARDI U.S.A., INC., CORAL GABLES, FL. RUM-40% ALC.BY VOL.; FLAVORED RUM - 35% ALC. BY VOL.

SOURCE BACARDI

RELATED LINKS
http://www.bacardi.com

Vina Concha y Toro ( VCO) informed today preliminary sales for the fourth quarter and year 2009. The company ended year 2009 with consolidated sales of Ch$353,552 million, showing a 12.3% increase as compared to year 2008. Growth was led by higher sales in foreign markets and an increase in wine and other product sales in Chile. For the year, total exported volume increased 8.7% and the domestic market grew 3.5%. Volume for the Argentine subsidiary decreased 4.9%.

For the quarter, total sales reached Ch$93,897 million, representing a 5.7% increase following positive growth in both the export and domestic markets. In the quarter, export volume increased 13.8% and the domestic market grew 3.6%. Sales volume for Argentina decreased 8.3%.


                          4Q2009   4Q2008  % change    2009     2008  % change
    Total Sales (millions
     of Chilean pesos)    93,897   88,798     5.7%  353,552  314,756    12.3%
    Export markets        65,874   63,894     3.1%  250,929  225,694    11.2%
    Domestic market -
     Wine                 14,213   12,959     9.7%   53,631   50,184     6.9%
    Domestic market -
     Other products        5,521    1,378   300.5%   14,824    4,154   256.8%
    Argentina              6,122    7,910   -22.6%   24,378   24,376     0.0%
    Other (1)              2,167    2,656   -18.4%    9,790   10,347    -5.4%

    Volumes               4Q2009   4Q2008  % change    2009     2008  % change
     (thousands of liters)
    Export markets        41,500   36,461    13.8%  158,188  145,468     8.7%
    Domestic market -
     Wine                 18,737   18,092     3.6%   74,235   71,742     3.5%
    Argentina              5,233    5,709    -8.3%   20,734   21,799    -4.9%

     (1) Includes bulk wine sales.


    Contact:
    Blanca Bustamante
    Head of Investor Relations
    Vina Concha y Toro
    (562) 476-5026

SOURCE Vina Concha y Toro

RELATED LINKS
http://www.conchaytoro.com/

Some people think everything in the Napa Valley is expensive. NapaValleyValues.com is here to prove otherwise. The new website and free email newsletter reveal great deals on food, wine, lodging and entertainment throughout the Napa Valley.

"It's easy to find a great $125 bottle of Napa Valley Cab. There's no sport in that," says Napa Valley Values Editor-in-Chief Sue Elliott. "The fun is in finding a spectacular Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon for $35 - or an eminently drinkable Napa Valley Syrah on sale for just $6.58 - and then sharing that news with our readers."

Napa Valley Values brings readers a mixture of ongoing great deals and special, limited-time offers. Content is geared toward locals and visitors alike, with weekday and weekend deals, plus specials on lodging at local hotels and B&Bs. Current postings include a second-night free offer at three local inns and a $14 comfort-food meal deal at the Culinary Institute of America's restaurant.

"Most people expect to find great food and wine in the Napa Valley, but we're often asked what sorts of other things there are to do around here," says Elliott. "That's why we've created an Entertainment section on the website, too. We'll be letting people know about great values on everything from spa treatments to hot air balloon rides, and from kayak adventures to shopping excursions and tours of local artists' studios."

NapaValleyValues.com encourages visitors to sign up for a free email newsletter, so they can learn about the latest deals on food, wine, lodging and entertainment.

About NapaValleyValues.com

NapaValleyValues.com covers great deals on food, wine, lodging and entertainment throughout the Napa Valley, including the communities of Napa, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, American Canyon and Calistoga. Both NapaValleyValues.com and the Napa Valley Values free email newsletter are published by Easier Way Media Inc., 1951 Oak Circle, Yountville, CA 94599, 707-945-0560, http://www.easierwaymedia.com. For more information on Napa Valley Values, please visit http://www.NapaValleyValues.com or contact Editor-in-Chief Sue Elliott at sue@easierwaymedia.com.

http://www.ereleases.com/pr/Napa-Valley-Values-logo.jpg


    Contact:

    Chad Westfall
    Creative Outlooks
    cwestfall@creativeoutlooks.com

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE NapaValleyValues.com

RELATED LINKS
http://www.NapaValleyValues.com

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), today announced that it will offer Beck's Pilsner beer for sale onboard effective immediately. Beck's Pilsner is a classic German Pilsner beer made from the original 1873 recipe with a full-bodied taste, a hoppy bouquet, golden color and a rich, full head.

Beck's Pilsner is owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD) of Leuven, Belgium, is distributed by Anheuser-Busch of St. Louis, Mo., and is brewed in the city of Bremen, Germany. AirTran Airways now boards five brands of Anheuser-Busch beers - Budweiser®, Bud Light®, Bud Light Lime®, Michelob Ultra® and Beck's® - more than any airline.

"AirTran Airways is an innovative airline, and we are pleased to offer our customers Beck's Pilsner," said Tad Hutcheson, vice president of marketing and sales for AirTran Airways. "Our customers have asked us for beer options, and AirTran Airways has delivered."

"Since our relationship with AirTran Airways began in 1993, Anheuser-Busch has offered passengers a selection of some of our most popular beers," said Greg Fleischut , vice president, national retail sales on-premise. "By adding Beck's Pilsner to the menu of Anheuser-Busch products served on flights, it allows adult beer drinkers an opportunity to sample a wider selection of our beers while enjoying their AirTran Airways flight."

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI) and a Fortune 1000 company, has been ranked the number one low cost carrier in the Airline Quality Rating study for the past two years. AirTran is the only major airline with Wi-Fi on every flight and offers coast-to-coast service on North America's newest all-Boeing fleet. Its low-cost, high-quality product also includes assigned seating, Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit http://www.airtran.com.

Golden in color, Beck's is a classic German pilsner with a robust, distinctive full-bodied taste, a fresh "hoppy" bouquet and a rich, full head. Brewed in Bremen, Germany, Beck's is made in accordance with "Reinheitsgebot," the German Purity Law of 1516. It is brewed using only top grade barley, hand-selected hops, fresh glacier water and Beck's exclusive strain of yeast that's been cultured and cultivated for generations. Beck's is imported and distributed in the United States by Anheuser-Busch, Inc. The Web site can be found at http://www.becksbeer.com.


    Media:    AirTran Airways
              Christopher White
              Cynthia Tinsley-Douglas
              678.254.7442

              Anheuser-Busch
              Phillip Cleveland
              314.577.9637

SOURCE AirTran Airways

RELATED LINKS
http://www.airtran.com

Constellation Brands, Inc. ( STZ, ASX: CBR), the world's leading wine company, announced today that it has completed the sale of its Gaymer Cider Company business to C&C Group PLC of Dublin, Ireland for a purchase price of 45 million pounds Sterling, or approximately $70 million, subject to closing adjustments. The company expects to use the proceeds from the sale to reduce borrowings.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040119/STZLOGO )

About Constellation Brands

Constellation Brands is the world's leading wine company that achieves success through an unmatched knowledge of wine consumers paired with storied brands that suit varied lives and tastes. With a broad portfolio of widely admired premium products across the wine, beer and spirits categories, Constellation's brand portfolio includes Robert Mondavi, Hardys, Clos du Bois, Blackstone, Arbor Mist, Estancia, Ravenswood, Jackson-Triggs, Kim Crawford, Corona Extra, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky and SVEDKA Vodka.

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B; ASX: CBR) is an S&P 500 Index and Fortune 1000® company with more than 100 total brands in our portfolio, sales in about 150 countries and operations in approximately 45 facilities. The company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to our brands, to the trade, to the land, to investors and to different people around the world who turn to our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. We express this commitment through our vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more about Constellation Brands and its product portfolio visit the company's web site at www.cbrands.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements.  The words "anticipate," "intend," and "expect," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words.  These statements may relate to Constellation's business strategy, future operations, prospects, plans and objectives of management, as well as information concerning expected actions of third parties.  All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements.      

Although Constellation believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, Constellation can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.  All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release.  Constellation undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

In addition to risks associated with ordinary business operations, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including other factors and uncertainties disclosed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Feb. 28, 2009, which could cause actual future performance to differ from current expectations.

SOURCE Constellation Brands, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.cbrands.com

Legislation was passed by the New Jersey legislature today which, if signed into law, will subject first time DUI high blood alcohol content offenders to use ignition interlock devices.  The legislation is applauded by Diageo, the world's largest alcohol manufacturer and a leader in the fight against drunk driving.  It is sponsored by New Jersey Assembly members Nelson Albano (D – District 1), and Nancy Munoz (R – District 21), and State Senator James Whelan (D – District 2).

"We congratulate legislators Albano, Munoz and James, and their colleagues for their efforts to pass this important legislation, which will further help in the critical fight against drunk driving," said Guy L. Smith, Executive Vice President, Diageo North America.  "We strongly encourage Governor Corzine to sign this drunk driving prevention legislation into law."

Continued Smith, "We would hope that all concerned parties would rally around this common sense bill to help make New Jersey's roads safer."

Diageo has worked in legislatures throughout the nation to increase penalties for drunk driving.  In addition, Diageo is a founding member and major supporter of The Century Council, an organization funded by some of the country's leading distillers committed to developing programs to combat drunk driving and underage drinking.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE Diageo

RELATED LINKS
http://www.Diageo.com

Diageo, the world's leading spirits, beer and wine company, is delivering more than 45,000 pounds of food and emergency supplies to earthquake victims in Haiti today. Diageo's specially commissioned 727 aircraft departs Miami this morning. This mission is part of Diageo's Spirit of the Americas Humanitarian Aid program, an ongoing effort to deliver critical assistance to disaster zones and communities where Diageo's employees and their families work and live.  

"The devastation caused by this earthquake is unimaginable. Honestly, working for Diageo, I am humbled that the business gives us the opportunity to do what we can for those who have been so impacted by this disaster," said William Bullard, Diageo Corporate Relations Director, Latin America and Caribbean. "We will remain committed to providing relief and working together to rebuild in Haiti."

Diageo's airlift departs this morning, January 15, 2010, at 8:00 a.m. from AmeriJet International Airlines, located at 6185 NW 18th St. in Miami. The 727 aircraft will deliver 45,000 pounds of disaster relief including new World Health Organization (WHO) sanctioned emergency health kits. The health kits contain enough materials to provide basic medical care to more than 10,000 people for 90 days, which will be critical as every hospital in Haiti was either damaged or destroyed by the earthquake. Diageo will also be sending food supplies including beans, rice, cooking oil and Ensure.

The Washington Redskins will join with Diageo to deliver a second round of aid workers and of emergency supplies to Haiti.  Redskins' Owner Dan Snyder has donated use of his private airplane for this effort.  It is currently scheduled to depart for Haiti on Sunday morning with clothing donated by the team, along with relief personnel and supplies.

"Diageo has been involved in relief efforts around the world for many years, and we're fortunate to be able to partner with them," Snyder said.  "Getting the right people and supplies to Haiti is critically important, and we're providing our best resources."

"On behalf of Diageo's nearly 30,000 employees worldwide and those who distribute our products in Haiti, we are honored to be able to deliver assistance in this time of need," said Guy Smith, Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations, Diageo North America. "It is our hope that these emergency provisions will give hope and safety to those who were stricken by this terrible disaster."

Diageo holds a minority stake in Brasserie Nationale d'Haiti S.A., a brewery located in Haiti's capital city of Port Au Prince. Brasserie Nationale d'Haiti S.A has more than 1,300 employees, locally brews Guinness beer and distributes many of Diageo's leading products, including Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Baileys and Tanqueray.

Established in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, the Spirit of the Americas program provides immediate relief and disaster aid around the world. In the hours and days after 9/11, Diageo and its employees provided numerous relief activities and assistance at Ground Zero and went on to provide funding for families who lost loved ones and donated computers for New York's Emergency management. Since then, Diageo has conducted more than 20 humanitarian missions from Kabul to the Caribbean.

Just this past year, Diageo provided critical supplies to Salvadoran communities hit hard by Hurricane Ida. In 2008, Diageo offered relief to flooding victims in Iowa and Haiti, and hurricane victims along the Gulf Coast. This included sending bottled water, special relief kits, and high-powered generators to help sustain the victims of these natural disasters. In 2008, Diageo provided the first humanitarian aid to reach Haiti after Hurricane Hanna hit the island.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE Diageo

RELATED LINKS
http://www.Diageo.com

Since 2005 the brewers at Samuel Adams have been offering drinkers a voice in choosing one of the new beers they will introduce in the coming year.  Last year, voters in the 5th annual Samuel Adams® Beer Lover's Choice® contest were decisive in choosing Samuel Adams Noble Pils, a hoppy pilsner beer brewed with a recipe that calls for all five varieties of Noble Hops.  

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100113/NY35960 )

The voters' response to the new Noble Pils was so enthusiastic that the brewers have decided to make Samuel Adams Noble Pils the new spring seasonal brew.  It joins Samuel Adams® Summer Ale, Samuel Adams® OctoberFest and Samuel Adams® Winter Lager in the brewery's year round seasonal line-up.

"I love the complex layers of hoppiness of this beer," said Brewer and Founder Jim Koch. "But what makes our Samuel Adams Noble Pils a great beer is that the spicy bitterness of the hops is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the Bohemian Pilsner malt, which adds a honeyed malt character and full body to the brew.

"We know that Samuel Adams' drinkers look forward to each season's new arrival.  Samuel Adams Noble Pils is an excellent beer to help people get from winter's chill to the warming weather with a crisp and spicy beer for spring," Koch added.

This beer is special because of the quality and quantity of the hops in the recipe. Of the 100 plus hop varieties in the world only five are judged "Noble hops", and this beer uses all five.  Four are from Germany and one from the Czech Republic. The German hop varieties in Noble Pils are: Hallertau Mittelfrueh, Tettnang Tettnanger, Spalt Spalter, and Hersbrucker Hersbrucker.  The Noble hop variety from Bohemia in the Czech Republic is Saaz.

The Hallertau and Tettnang hops are the hops used in Boston Beer's flagship style, Samuel Adams Boston Lager®.

Last summer, the Beer Lover's Choice program had the highest number of tasters in its five year history, with more than 68,000 votes cast during more than 1,300 tasting events held across the country. The other beer in competition this year was an IPA. Voters rated the beers on five characteristics: color, aroma, taste, mouth-feel and finish.  The Noble Pils garnered 55% (or 37,855) of the total votes.

Samuel Adams Noble Pils will be available nationwide beginning in mid-January and replaces Samuel Adams® White Ale as the spring seasonal offering.  Samuel Adams White Ale will be available as one of six styles in the 2010 Samuel Adams® Winter Classics variety pack. Samuel Adams Noble Pils has a suggested retail price of $7.99–$8.99 per six-pack and $13.99–$15.99 per 12-pack.

THE BOSTON BEER COMPANY BACKGROUND:

The Boston Beer Company began in 1984 with a generations-old family recipe that Founder and Brewer Jim Koch uncovered in his father's attic. After bringing the recipe to life in his kitchen, Jim brought it to bars in Boston with the belief that drinkers would appreciate a complex, full-flavored beer, brewed fresh in America. That beer was Samuel Adams Boston Lager®, and it helped catalyze what became known as the American craft beer revolution.  

Today, the Company brews more than 21 styles of beer.  The Company uses the traditional four vessel brewing process and often takes extra steps like dry-hopping and a secondary fermentation known as krausening. It passionately pursues the development of new styles and the perfection of its classic beers by constantly searching for the world's finest ingredients. While resurrecting traditional brewing methods, the Company has earned a reputation as a pioneer in another revolution, the "extreme beer" movement, where it seeks to challenge drinkers' perceptions of what beer can be. The Boston Beer Company strives to elevate the image of American craft beer by entering festivals and competitions the world over, and in the past five years it has won more awards in international beer competitions than any other brewery in the world. The Company remains independent, and brewing quality beer remains its single focus. While Samuel Adams is the country's largest-selling craft beer, it accounts for less than one percent of the U.S. beer market. For more information, please visit www.samueladams.com.

SOURCE Samuel Adams

RELATED LINKS
http://www.samueladams.com

(http://www.myprgenie.com) -- Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd. (OTC Bulletin Board: DKAM), a leading owner, developer and marketer of premium beverages associated with renowned icons, announced today that the Company is planning to register an up to $30,000,000 Rights Offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission for tradable transferable subscription rights to purchase Units worth up to $30,000,000.  Each holder of the Company's outstanding shares of Common Stock as of the Rights Offering record date will receive a dividend of one (1) Right for each five hundred (500) shares of Common Stock owned.  Each Right shall be exercisable into one (1) Unit, to consist of (i) one (1) voting share of Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock") and (ii) one (1) 3-year cash exercise Warrant (the "Warrants") exercisable into one (1) share of Preferred Stock.  Rightholders may also exchange their respective shares of Common Stock in lieu of cash for up to 50% of the amount of Rights that such investor is exercising at a ratio of five thousand (5,000) shares of Common Stock for each one (1) Unit.  Any shares exchanged to the Company will be put into Treasury. The Preferred Stock shall carry an eight percent (8%) dividend (the "Dividend") for three years, payable annually in cash or in kind at the Company's option.  Should the Company elect to make such payment in kind in lieu of cash, it shall give the Preferred Stock holders a minimum of ten business days notice via a press release or an 8K. The Preferred Stock shall be perpetual so that it shall receive equity treatment and shall have no restrictive covenants to prevent the Company from incurring future indebtedness.  The Warrants will be exercisable into additional shares of Preferred Stock for a 3-year period at an exercise price as set in the prospectus, subject to anti-dilution adjustments.

The subscription price of the rights, and the price of the Units and final structure of the securities underlying each Unit (which will be made up of Preferred Stock and Warrants) shall be set by the Company's Board of Directors with advice from the dealer manager and our securities attorneys prior to the filing of the final prospectus with the SEC. The Unit subscription price will be based on the trading price of the Company's Common Stock on the pricing date. The Warrant exercise price will be based on a premium to the Unit subscription price.

The Company will seek to have the Rights trade on the OTC Bulletin Board for approximately twenty (20) trading days once approved by the OTC Bulletin Board for trading and once we have been approved for a ticker symbol.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release relate to future events. Such statements are forward-looking statements and are based on present information that the Company has related to its existing business circumstances. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and that actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Further, investors are cautioned that the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements based on unanticipated events or changed expectations. The Company makes such forward-looking statements under the provisions of the "safe harbor" section of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

The complete terms of the rights offering will be contained in the registration statement for the rights offering filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  

THIS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER, OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER, TO BUY OR SELL ANY SECURITY OR TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE RIGHTS OFFERING.

About Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd.

Drinks Americas develops, owns, markets, and nationally distributes alcoholic and non-alcoholic premium beverages associated with renowned icon celebrities. Drinks Americas' portfolio of premium alcoholic beverages includes Olifant Vodka, Trump Super Premium Vodka and Willie Nelson's Old Whiskey River Bourbon, Rheingold Beer, Kid Rock's Badass Beer and Aguila Tequila. The Company also has a partnership with Universal Music's Interscope, Geffen, A&M Records to jointly develop and launch beverage products.

Drinks Americas was founded in 2004 by J. Patrick Kenny, a leading expert in beverage sales and marketing. Mr. Kenny developed his industry expertise in a variety of management positions at the world's leading beverage companies, including Joseph E. Seagram and Sons and The Coca-Cola Company. He has also acted as advisor to several Fortune 500 beverage marketing companies, and has participated in a variety of  beverage industry transactions.

For further information, please visit our website at www.drinksamericas.com.

Contact:


Charles Davidson

Drinks Americas, Inc.

203-762-7000

cdavidson@drinksamericas.com


Dan Schustack  

CEOcast, Inc.  

212-732-4300  

dschustack@ceocast.com


To see press release go to http://myprgenie.com/3925

SOURCE Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.drinksamericas.com

Wynn Las Vegas is proud to announce a partnership with the N9NE Group's Michael Morton to open a wine bar at Wynn Las Vegas. Beginning Fall 2010, the wine bar will elevate the celebration of wine to a multi-sensory experience including food, mood and music with innovative design features.

Intimate and edgy, the wine bar will feature handcrafted wines culled from the best vineyards around the world. A selection of artisanal beers, organic spirits and specialty cocktails will complement the comprehensive wine list. The wine bar will pair the sophistication of the wine with an accessible neighborhood hideaway to welcome the connoisseur and the novice alike. A gourmet, chef-driven menu serving house-made and artisanal charcuterie, farmhouse cheeses, hand-cut crudo, tapas a la plancha and bite-size desserts will also be offered. Musical inspiration will derive from rhythms from around the world including Italy, Spain, France, Argentina, Chile and Australia.

The venue will open later this year in a newly renovated space adjacent the Terrace Pointe Cafe at Wynn Las Vegas.  

About Wynn Resorts

Wynn Resorts, Limited (Nasdaq: WYNN) is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol WYNN and is part of the S&P 500 and NASDAQ-100 Indexes. Wynn Resorts owns and operates Wynn Las Vegas (www.wynnlasvegas.com), Encore (www.encorelasvegas.com) and Wynn Macau (www.wynnmacau.com). Wynn Las Vegas, a luxury hotel and destination casino resort located on the Las Vegas Strip features 2,716 luxurious guest rooms and suites, an approximately 111,000 square foot casino, 22 food and beverage outlets, an on-site 18-hole golf course, approximately 223,000 square feet of meeting space, an on-site Ferrari and Maserati dealership, and approximately 74,000 square feet of retail space.

Encore, the new signature resort in the Wynn collection, opened December 22, 2008. Encore is located immediately adjacent to Wynn Las Vegas and features 2,034 suites, approximately 72,000 square foot casino, 12 food and beverage outlets, a night club, a spa and salon, approximately 60,000 square feet of meeting space and approximately 27,000 square feet of upscale retail outlets.

Wynn Macau is a destination casino resort in the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and currently features 600 deluxe hotel rooms and suites, approximately 205,000 square foot casino, casual and fine dining in five restaurants, approximately 46,000 square feet of retail space, a health club, pool and spa, along with lounges and meeting facilities.

About Michael Morton

Restaurant and entertainment entrepreneur Michael Morton is the son of legendary restaurateur Arnie Morton and a co-founder of the N9NE Group. The restaurant and nightlife company, founded in 1992, began with the opening of Drink Chicago, a bar/lounge that immediately became one of the Windy City's most popular. In 1995 Drink arrived in Las Vegas outshining its forebear. The flagship N9NE Steakhouse debuted in 2000 in Chicago along with the original ghostbar, one of N9NE Group's most versatile concepts, one floor above the steakhouse. N9NE Steakhouse brought the concept of the steakhouse into the new millennium combining great food with a sexy rocking atmosphere.

The Las Vegas N9NE Steakhouse opened in 2001 at George Maloof's Palms Casino Resort. Other N9NE Group venues at the Palms include Rain Nightclub, a 25,000-square foot club; ghostbar, a lounge floating 55 stories over the Vegas skyline; Nove Italiano, a groundbreaking restaurant that does for Italian dining what N9NE did for the steakhouse; the world's only Playboy Club and Moon nightclub. A third ghostbar debuted in 2007 at the top of the W Dallas Victory Hotel & Residences tower.

The culinary success of N9NE Group restaurants and clubs is accentuated by Consulting Chef/Partner Michael Kornick. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a James Beard Foundation honoree, he has worked in some of America's top hotel kitchens and freestanding restaurants.

SOURCE Wynn Las Vegas

RELATED LINKS
http://www.wynnlasvegas.com
http://www.encorelasvegas.com
http://www.wynnmacau.com

Bond Laboratories, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board : BNLB), a premier marketer of healthy food and beverage products, today announced the addition of Loveland Distributing Company ("Loveland Distributing") to the distribution network for Fusion Premium Beverages ("Fusion"). As one of the leading Miller-Coors distributors in Virginia, Loveland Distributing provides Fusion access to almost 2,000 on and off premise accounts.

"We are very excited to add Loveland Distributing to the growing list of distributors that recognize the inherent value of unique and effective functional beverages and, in particular, that of Resurrection™ anti-hangover drink," stated Scott Slocum, President of Fusion Premium Beverages. "Our network now includes more than thirty-five (35) distributors located throughout the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest regions of the country."

Loveland Distributing is one of Virginia's premier distributors of Miller-Coors products throughout fifteen (15) counties, including the Richmond area. "We see this partnership as an excellent opportunity for us to be a part of something new and exciting in the beverage industry and believe that Resurrection™ anti-hangover drink will be an important and profitable addition to our portfolio, stated Mark Stepanian, President of Loveland Distributing."

About Bond Laboratories, Inc.

Bond Laboratories is a national provider of innovative and proprietary nutritional supplements and beverage products for health conscious consumers. The Company produces and markets its products through two operating divisions – NDS Nutrition and Fusion Premium Beverages. NDS manufactures and distributes a full line of nutritional supplements to support healthy living through a variety of retail channels including GNC franchisee locations located throughout the United States. Fusion Premium Beverages distributes a line of health and energy beverages to support and promote an active lifestyle. Bond Laboratories' operating divisions are led by a team of highly experienced sales and marketing executives with considerable expertise in the development, launch and distribution of branded products in the nutritional supplement and beverage sector. Bond Laboratories is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska and maintains its primary sales operation in Dallas, TX.

About Loveland Distributing Company, Inc

Loveland Distributing Company is a leading Miller Coors® beer distributor in Virginia, engaging in the distribution of beer and non-alcoholic products. The company, which is based in Richmond, VA, has been in operation since 1958 and services customers in fourteen counties.  Loveland Distributing is a family business, owned and operated by President Mark Stepanian and recipient of numerous industry awards and honors including the "High Life Achievement Award."

Safe Harbor

Statements about the Company's future expectations and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby.

The above information contains information relating to the Company that is based on the beliefs of the Company and/or its management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company or its management. The company does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements contained in this release.

Investors:

Warren Rothouse or Bruce Weinstein

Surety Financial Group, LLC

410-833-0078


SOURCE Bond Laboratories, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.got-fusion.com

(http://www.myprgenie.com) -- Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd. (OTC Bulletin Board: DKAM), a leading owner, developer and marketer of premium beverages associated with renowned icons, announced today that the Company is planning to register an up to $30,000,000 Rights Offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission for tradable transferable subscription rights to purchase Units worth up to $30,000,000.  Each holder of the Company's outstanding shares of Common Stock as of the Rights Offering record date will receive a dividend of one (1) Right for each five hundred (500) shares of Common Stock owned.  Each Right shall be exercisable into one (1) Unit, to consist of (i) one (1) voting share of Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock") and (ii) one (1) 3-year cash exercise Warrant (the "Warrants") exercisable into one (1) share of Preferred Stock.  Rightholders may also exchange their respective shares of Common Stock in lieu of cash for up to 50% of the amount of Rights that such investor is exercising at a ratio of five thousand (5,000) shares of Common Stock for each one (1) Unit.  Any shares exchanged to the Company will be put into Treasury. The Preferred Stock shall carry an eight percent (8%) dividend (the "Dividend") for three years, payable annually in cash or in kind at the Company's option.  Should the Company elect to make such payment in kind in lieu of cash, it shall give the Preferred Stock holders a minimum of ten business days notice via a press release or an 8K. The Preferred Stock shall be perpetual so that it shall receive equity treatment and shall have no restrictive covenants to prevent the Company from incurring future indebtedness.  The Warrants will be exercisable into additional shares of Preferred Stock for a 3-year period at an exercise price as set in the prospectus, subject to anti-dilution adjustments.

The subscription price of the rights, and the price of the Units and final structure of the securities underlying each Unit (which will be made up of Preferred Stock and Warrants) shall be set by the Company's Board of Directors with advice from the dealer manager and our securities attorneys prior to the filing of the final prospectus with the SEC. The Unit subscription price will be based on the trading price of the Company's Common Stock on the pricing date. The Warrant exercise price will be based on a premium to the Unit subscription price.

The Company will seek to have the Rights trade on the OTC Bulletin Board for approximately twenty (20) trading days once approved by the OTC Bulletin Board for trading and once we have been approved for a ticker symbol.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release relate to future events. Such statements are forward-looking statements and are based on present information that the Company has related to its existing business circumstances. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and that actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Further, investors are cautioned that the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements based on unanticipated events or changed expectations. The Company makes such forward-looking statements under the provisions of the "safe harbor" section of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

The complete terms of the rights offering will be contained in the registration statement for the rights offering filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  

THIS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER, OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER, TO BUY OR SELL ANY SECURITY OR TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE RIGHTS OFFERING.

About Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd.

Drinks Americas develops, owns, markets, and nationally distributes alcoholic and non-alcoholic premium beverages associated with renowned icon celebrities. Drinks Americas' portfolio of premium alcoholic beverages includes Olifant Vodka, Trump Super Premium Vodka and Willie Nelson's Old Whiskey River Bourbon, Rheingold Beer, Kid Rock's Badass Beer and Aguila Tequila. The Company also has a partnership with Universal Music's Interscope, Geffen, A&M Records to jointly develop and launch beverage products.

Drinks Americas was founded in 2004 by J. Patrick Kenny, a leading expert in beverage sales and marketing. Mr. Kenny developed his industry expertise in a variety of management positions at the world's leading beverage companies, including Joseph E. Seagram and Sons and The Coca-Cola Company. He has also acted as advisor to several Fortune 500 beverage marketing companies, and has participated in a variety of  beverage industry transactions.

For further information, please visit our website at www.drinksamericas.com.

Contact:


Charles Davidson

Drinks Americas, Inc.

203-762-7000

cdavidson@drinksamericas.com


Dan Schustack  

CEOcast, Inc.  

212-732-4300  

dschustack@ceocast.com


To see press release go to http://myprgenie.com/3925

SOURCE Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.drinksamericas.com

Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Wine- 2010 Edition

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0171099/Wine--2010-Edition.html

The author estimates that the UK consumer spent a record amount on wine in 2009, an amount that accounts for 20% of all household spending on drinks and 28% of the alcohol market. The market experienced a steady year-on-year growth rate over the review period with a peak of 5.6% growth in 2007 and 1.3% growth in 2009 despite the recession. While beer is still the larger market, the long-term trend is towards drinking wine, almost all of which has to be imported.

The UK is one of the world's largest markets for imported wine and all major producing countries compete here, divided broadly between the Old World (European countries such as France and Italy) and the New World (led by Australia, Chile and South Africa). The market, therefore, divides along national lines, but although almost a quarter of consumers choose wine by country — according to a 2009 NEMS Market Research survey commissioned by Key Note — similar numbers of adults choose by type of grape (e.g. Pinot Grigio, Merlot) or by brand (e.g. Blossom Hill, Jacob's Creek).

For the purpose of statistical analysis this report is divided into two divisions: still wine and sparkling wine. Still wine is subdivided by colour, with white having the largest share of the market (48%) over red (41%), and rose showing a large increase in sales over the review period (111.4%).

Around 25% of consumers choose own-label wines, and this reflects the major role played by the supermarkets, where over 50% of wine is bought. This success is reflected in the demise in this decade of several off-licence chains. Wine is also of growing importance in pubs and restaurants where fashionable wines include sparkling rose and white wine made from the Pinot Grigio grape.

No single company dominates the fragmented wine market, but several major players have emerged including Constellation Brands of the US, Foster's Group of Australia and Pernod Ricard of France. The main British importer is Diageo, with the Blossom Hill brand.

Prospects for future value growth remain reasonably good with wine increasingly seen as the most civilised way of drinking alcohol, and a trend to buying more expensive wines. Key Note predicts a double-digit increase in the market by value between 2010 and 2014.

Executive Summary

1. Market Definition

REPORT COVERAGE

MARKET SECTORS

MARKET TRENDS

An Historical Perspective

Trends in the 2000s

ECONOMIC TRENDS

Population

Table 1.1: UK Resident Population Estimates by Sex (000), Mid-Years 2004-2008

Gross Domestic Product

Table 1.2: UK Gross Domestic Product at Current and Annual Chain-Linked Prices (pounds m), 2004-2008

Inflation

Table 1.3: UK Rate of Inflation (%), 2004-2008

Unemployment

Table 1.4: Actual Number of Unemployed Persons in the UK (million), 2004-2008

Household Disposable Income

Table 1.5: UK Household Disposable Income Per Capita (pounds), 2004-2008

MARKET POSITION

Table 1.6: Wine in the Total UK Drinks Market by Value (pounds m at rsp), 2009

Table 1.7: Favourite Alcoholic Drinks of Adults (% of adults), 2009

Overseas

2. Market Size

THE TOTAL MARKET

Table 2.1: The Total UK Wine Market by Value at Current Prices and Volume (pounds m at rsp, million litres and  pounds), 2005-2009

Figure 2.1: The Total UK Wine Market by Value at Current Prices and Volume ( pounds m at rsp, million litres and pounds), 2005-2009

BY MARKET SECTOR

Table 2.2: Types of Wine Bought (% of adults), 2009

By 'Colour'

Table 2.3: The Market for Wine by Colour by Value at Current Prices (pounds m at rsp and %), 2005-2009

Table 2.2: The Market for Wine by Colour by Value at Current Prices (pounds m at rsp and %), 2005-2009

By Still/Sparkling

Table 2.4: The Market for Wine by Still/Sparkling by Value at Current Prices (pounds m at rsp and %), 2005-2009

Table 2.3: The Market for Wine by Still/Sparkling by Value at Current Prices (pounds m at rsp and %), 2005-2009

By Varietal

Table 2.5: Varietals of Wine 'Ever Drunk' (% of adults), 2008

Other Market Sectors

Table 2.6: Wines Bought by Country (% of adults), 2007-2009

3. Industry Background

RECENT HISTORY

NUMBER OF COMPANIES AND EMPLOYMENT

REGIONAL VARIATIONS IN THE MARKETPLACE

DISTRIBUTION

Off-Trade

On-Trade

HOW ROBUST IS THE MARKET?

LEGISLATION

KEY TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

Wine & Spirit Trade Association

Other Associations

4. Competitor Analysis

THE MARKETPLACE

MARKET LEADERS: COUNTRIES

Table 4.1: Principal Origins of UK Wine Imports by Value (%), 2008 and 2009

'Old World' Wines

France

Italy

Spain

Other Old World

'New World' Wines

Australia

Other New World

MARKET LEADERS: COMPANIES

Table 4.2: 'Big Five' UK Wine Suppliers, 2009

Constellation Brands

Diageo PLC

E&J Gallo Winery

Foster's EMEA Ltd

Pernod Ricard UK Ltd

Other Companies

OUTSIDE SUPPLIERS

5. Brand Strategy

INTRODUCTION

COLOUR AND COUNTRY

REGIONS AND VINEYARDS

VARIETALS

'BRANDS' AND OWN LABEL

Table 5.1: Selected Leading Wine Brands in the UK, 2009

MARKETING ACTIVITY

Main Media Advertising Expenditure

Table 5.2: Main Media Advertising Expenditure on Wine (pounds 000), Year Ending September 2009

Other Marketing

6. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

STRENGTHS

WEAKNESSES

OPPORTUNITIES

THREATS

7. Buying Behaviour

CONSUMER PENETRATION

Table 7.1: Drinkers of Bottled Table Wine by Amount Consumed (% of all adults), 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2009

METHODS OF CHOOSING WINE

Table 7.2: Types of Wine Bought (% of adults), 2007 and 2009

DEMOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCES IN CHOOSING WINE

Table 7.3: Main Types of Wine Ever Bought by Sex, Age and Social Grade (% of adults), 2009

Table 7.4: Choosing Wine by Varietal, Brand, Country or Region by Sex, Age and Social Grade (% of adults), 2009

Table 7.5: Other Patterns When Buying Wines by Sex, Age and Social Grade (% of adults), 2009

8. Current Issues

IMPACT OF RECESSION

ALCOHOL, HEALTH AND LEGISLATION

OTHER ISSUES

9. The Global Market

OVERVIEW

Old World Versus New World

Wine and Agriculture

EU Harmonisation

Export Markets

Global Wine Companies

10. Forecasts

INTRODUCTION

Forecast Economic Trends

Population

Table 10.1: Forecast UK Resident Population by Sex (000), Mid-Years 2009-2013

Gross Domestic Product

Table 10.2: Forecast UK Growth in Gross Domestic Product in Real Terms (%), 2009-2013

Inflation

Table 10.3: Forecast UK Rate of Inflation (%), 2009-2013

Unemployment

Table 10.4: Forecast Actual Number of Unemployed Persons in the UK (million), 2009-2013

FORECASTS 2010 TO 2014

Table 10.5: The Forecast UK Market for Wine by Value at Current Prices (pounds m at rsp), 2010-2014

MARKET GROWTH

Table 10.1: Total Growth in the UK Market for Wine by Value at Current Prices (pounds m at rsp), 2005-2014

FUTURE TRENDS

Volume Versus Value

End of Recession?

Potential Problems

Simplifying the Choice

Retailing Changes

10. Company Profiles

Constellation Europe Ltd

Diageo PLC

Foster's EMEA Ltd

Majestic Wine PLC

Pernod Ricard UK Ltd

12. Company Financials

13. Further Sources

Associations

Publications

General Sources

Government Publications

Other Sources

Key Note Sources

Understanding TGI Data

Number, Profile, Penetration

Social Grade

Standard Region

Key Note Research

The Key Note Range of Reports

To order this report:

Wine Industry: Wine- 2010 Edition

More  Market Research Report

Nicolas Bombourg

Reportlinker

Email: nbo@reportlinker.com

US: (805)652-2626

Intl: +1 805-652-2626


SOURCE Reportlinker




    Third Quarter 2010 Financial Highlights*
    (in millions, except per share data)

                                    Comparable    Change  Reported  Change
                                    ----------    ------  --------  ------
    Consolidated net sales                $988        -4%     $988      -4%

    Operating income                      $190       -13%     $135     -32%

    Operating margin                      19.3% -190 bps      13.6%     NM

    Equity in earnings of equity
     method investees**                    $60       -21%      $35     -55%

    Earnings before interest and
     taxes (EBIT)                         $250       -15%        -       -

    Net income                            $120        -9%      $44     -47%

    Diluted earnings per share           $0.54       -10%    $0.20     -47%




Constellation Brands, Inc. ( STZ, ASX: CBR), the world's leading wine company, reported today its fiscal 2010 third quarter results. "During the quarter, we continued to execute well against our strategic goals of generating cash, paying down debt and reducing costs," said Rob Sands, president and chief executive officer, Constellation Brands. "U.S. branded wine net sales were impacted by continuing economic challenges, higher levels of promotional spending in advance of the holiday selling season, and the expected shift of sales to the second quarter from the third quarter as part of our U.S. distributor network consolidation activities. But, we began to see improving depletion trends later in the quarter."

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040119/STZLOGO )

    Third Quarter 2010 Net Sales Highlights*
    (in millions)
                       Reported                 Organic
                                                        Constant
                               Constant                 Currency
                   Net         Currency    Net            Change
                 Sales Change    Change  Sales Change     ------
                 ----- ------    ------  ----- ------
    Consolidated  $988     -4%       -6%  $988      2%         -
    Branded Wine  $868      2%        -   $868      2%         -
    Spirits        $51    -54%      -54%   $51     -2%        -2%
    Other          $68     -4%       -5%   $68     -4%        -5%
    -----          ---    ---       ---    ---    ---        ---


    *Definitions of reported, comparable, organic and constant currency,
    as well as reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures, are
    contained elsewhere in this news release.
    ** Hereafter referred to as "equity earnings."
    NM= Not Meaningful

Net Sales Commentary

Reported consolidated net sales decreased four percent due primarily to the impact of the value spirits divestiture, partially offset by the favorable impact of year-over-year currency exchange rate fluctuations. Organic constant currency net sales were even with the prior year.

Branded wine organic net sales on a constant currency basis were even versus last year and included a three percent decrease in North America offset by increases of 12 percent in Europe and two percent in Australia/New Zealand. The sales increase in Europe was primarily due to higher volumes of lower priced products.

Total spirits organic net sales decreased two percent for the quarter. The decrease was primarily due to a difficult comparison versus third quarter fiscal 2009. Glass shortages for SVEDKA vodka relating to a new bottle changeover in last year's second quarter resulted in higher shipment levels in last year's third quarter. Spirits organic net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2010 increased 18 percent with SVEDKA vodka net sales increasing more than 40 percent. The brand continues to experience strong momentum in the marketplace.

Operating Income, Net Income, Diluted EPS Commentary

Wines segment operating income decreased $22 million versus the prior year third quarter. This is primarily due to the decrease in U.S. branded wine sales, divestiture of the value spirits business and a decrease in operating income from the international business.

Constellation's equity earnings from its 50 percent interest in the Crown Imports joint venture totaled $46 million, a decrease of 26 percent from the prior year third quarter. For third quarter 2010, Crown Imports generated net sales of $499 million, a decrease of 10 percent, and operating income of $91 million, a decrease of 26 percent. Net sales for Crown were impacted primarily by volume declines. However, depletion trends outpaced shipments resulting in temporary wholesaler inventory reductions during the quarter. Operating income for Crown decreased due to lower net sales, expense timing related to national media programs for Corona Extra and Corona Light and a contractual cost increase.

"While the on-premise and convenience store channels remain challenging, we are seeing stabilization in the grocery channel as Crown continues to execute on targeted promotional spending, media support and the introduction of new packages for consumers to enjoy at a wide variety of venues, occasions and price points," said Sands. "These actions have helped to improve depletion trends as we have also experienced import category market share gains during the quarter."

For third quarter 2010, pre-tax restructuring charges, acquisition-related integration costs and unusual items totaled $81 million, including $60 million for impairment and other charges related to the Ruffino joint venture, compared to $21 million for the prior year third quarter.

Interest expense totaled $64 million, a decrease of 18 percent. The decrease was primarily due to lower average borrowings during the quarter.

"Our debt level has decreased $336 million since the beginning of fiscal 2010 and we are estimating full-year free cash flow to be at the upper-end of our guidance range," said Bob Ryder, chief financial officer, Constellation Brands. "We anticipate that proceeds from the pending sale of the U.K. cider business combined with targeted free cash flow generation during the fourth quarter will further advance our deleveraging efforts."

The comparable basis effective tax rate in the third quarter was 35.4 percent which reflects the favorable outcome of various tax items. The company anticipates a full year comparable tax rate of approximately 35 percent which represents a reduction to previous guidance.

Summary

"The industry and our results continue to be impacted by the difficult economic climate. However, we believe we have the right strategies in place to organically grow the business as we continue to experience improving market trends in our U.S. wine and beer businesses," said Sands. "Overall, we remain optimistic for the future and intend to continue to work toward reducing borrowings, improving free cash flow and optimizing return on invested capital. Our comparable basis diluted EPS expectation for the full year remains unchanged."

Outlook

The table below sets forth management's current diluted EPS expectations for fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 actual results, both on a reported basis and a comparable basis.


                          Constellation Brands Fiscal 2010
                         Diluted Earnings Per Share Outlook

                             Reported Basis           Comparable Basis
                             --------------           ----------------
                           FY10          FY09        FY10          FY09
                         Estimate       Actual     Estimate       Actual
                         --------       ------     --------       ------
    Fiscal Year
     Ending Feb. 28    $0.79 - $0.89    ($1.40)  $1.60 - $1.70     $1.60

Full-year fiscal 2010 guidance includes the following current assumptions:

  • Interest expense: approximately $260 - $270 million
  • Tax rate: approximately 51 percent on a reported basis, as compared to 35 percent on a comparable basis, primarily due to a provision of nine percentage points associated with the March 2009 sale of the value spirits business; five percentage points related to the nondeductible charges associated with the company's Ruffino joint venture; with the remainder primarily related to international restructuring activities which have minimal tax benefits
  • Weighted average diluted shares outstanding: approximately 222 million
  • Free cash flow: $230 - $270 million

Conference Call

A conference call to discuss third quarter 2010 results and outlook will be hosted by President and Chief Executive Officer Rob Sands and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Bob Ryder on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. (eastern). The conference call can be accessed by dialing +973-935-8505 beginning 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A live listen-only webcast of the conference call, together with a copy of this news release (including the attachments) and other financial information that may be discussed in the call will be available on the Internet at Constellation's Web site: www.cbrands.com under "Investors," prior to the call.

Explanations

Reported basis ("reported") operating income, net income and diluted EPS are as reported under generally accepted accounting principles. Operating income, net income and diluted EPS on a comparable basis ("comparable"), exclude restructuring charges, acquisition-related integration costs and unusual items. The company's measure of segment profitability excludes restructuring charges, acquisition-related integration costs and unusual items, which is consistent with the measure used by management to evaluate results.

The company discusses additional non-GAAP measures in this news release, including constant currency net sales, organic net sales, comparable basis EBIT and free cash flow.

Tables reconciling non-GAAP measures, together with definitions of these measures and the reasons management uses these measures, are included in this news release.

About Constellation Brands

Constellation Brands is the world's leading wine company that achieves success through an unmatched knowledge of wine consumers paired with storied brands that suit varied lives and tastes. With a broad portfolio of widely admired premium products across the wine, beer and spirits categories, Constellation's brand portfolio includes Robert Mondavi, Hardys, Clos du Bois, Blackstone, Arbor Mist, Estancia, Ravenswood, Jackson-Triggs, Kim Crawford, Corona Extra, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky and SVEDKA Vodka.

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B; ASX: CBR) is an S&P 500 Index and Fortune 1000® company with more than 100 total brands in our portfolio, sales in about 150 countries and operations in approximately 45 facilities. The company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to our brands, to the trade, to the land, to investors and to different people around the world who turn to our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. We express this commitment through our vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more about Constellation Brands and its product portfolio visit the company's web site at www.cbrands.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements made under the heading Outlook, and all statements other than statements of historical facts set forth in this news release regarding Constellation's business strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, as well as information concerning expected actions of third parties, are forward-looking statements (collectively, the "Projections") that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the Projections.

During the current quarter, Constellation may reiterate the Projections. Prior to the start of the company's quiet period, which will begin at the close of business on Feb. 19, 2010, the public can continue to rely on the Projections as still being Constellation's current expectations on the matters covered, unless Constellation publishes a notice stating otherwise. During Constellation's "quiet period," the Projections should not be considered to constitute the company's expectations and should be considered historical, speaking as of prior to the quiet period only and not subject to update by the company.

The Projections are based on management's current expectations and, unless otherwise noted, do not take into account the impact of any future acquisition, merger or any other business combination, divestiture, restructuring or other strategic business realignments, or financing that may be completed after the date of this release. The Projections should not be construed in any manner as a guarantee that such results will in fact occur.

In addition to the risks and uncertainties of ordinary business operations, the Projections of the company contained in this news release are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including:

  • realization of expected synergies from acquired businesses;
  • completion of various portfolio actions; implementation of consolidation activities and actual U.S. distributor transition experience;
  • achievement of all expected cost savings from the company's various restructuring plans, realization of expected asset sale proceeds from the sale of inventory and other assets, including the sale of the company's U.K. cider business, and receipt of all consideration from the divestiture of the value spirits business;
  • completion of any transactions regarding the company's Australian or United Kingdom businesses;
  • accuracy of the bases for forecasts relating to joint ventures and associated costs and capital investment requirements;
  • restructuring charges, acquisition-related integration costs and other one-time costs associated with integration and restructuring plans may vary materially from management's current estimates due to variations in one or more of anticipated headcount reductions, contract terminations, costs or timing of plan implementation;
  • raw material supply, production or shipment difficulties could adversely affect the company's ability to supply its customers;
  • increased competitive activities in the form of pricing, advertising and promotions could adversely impact consumer demand for the company's products and/or result in lower than expected sales or higher than expected expenses;
  • general economic, geo-political and regulatory conditions, prolonged downturn in the economic markets in the U.S. and in the company's major markets outside of the U.S., continuing instability in world financial markets, or unanticipated environmental liabilities and costs;
  • changes to accounting rules and tax laws, and other factors which could impact the company's reported financial position or effective tax rate;
  • changes in interest rates and the inherent unpredictability of currency fluctuations, commodity prices and raw material costs; and
  • other factors and uncertainties disclosed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Feb. 28, 2009, which could cause actual future performance to differ from current expectations.
    Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (in millions)

                                                  November 30, February 28,
                                                          2009         2009
                                                          ----         ----
     Assets

          Current Assets:
              Cash and cash investments                  $50.3        $13.1
              Accounts receivable, net                   901.7        524.6
              Inventories                              1,992.5      1,828.7
              Prepaid expenses and other                 149.1        168.1
                                                         -----        -----

                  Total current assets                 3,093.6      2,534.5

          Property, plant and equipment, net           1,649.5      1,547.5
          Goodwill                                     2,571.5      2,615.0
          Intangible assets, net                       1,042.7      1,000.6
          Other assets, net                              371.3        338.9
                                                         -----        -----

              Total assets                            $8,728.6     $8,036.5
                                                      ========     ========

     Liabilities and Stockholders'
      Equity

          Current Liabilities:
              Notes payable to banks                    $381.7       $227.3
              Current maturities of long-term
               debt                                       99.5        235.2
              Accounts payable                           376.7        288.7
              Accrued excise taxes                        76.2         57.6
              Other accrued expenses and
               liabilities                               642.3        517.6
                                                         -----        -----

                  Total current liabilities            1,576.4      1,326.4

          Long-term debt, less current
           maturities                                  3,616.0      3,971.1
          Deferred income taxes                          550.1        543.6
          Other liabilities                              288.9        287.1
                                                         -----        -----

              Total liabilities                        6,031.4      6,128.2

              Total stockholders' equity               2,697.2      1,908.3
                                                       -------      -------

              Total liabilities and stockholders'
               equity                                 $8,728.6     $8,036.5
                                                      ========     ========


    Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (in millions, except per share data)

                                   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
                                   ------------------  -----------------
                                   November  November  November   November
                                      30,       30,       30,        30,
                                     2009      2008      2009       2008
                                     ----      ----      ----       ----

     Sales                        $1,225.5  $1,306.9  $3,320.0  $3,758.1
     Excise taxes                   (237.8)   (275.7)   (663.9)   (838.6)
                                    ------    ------    ------    ------
          Net sales                  987.7   1,031.2   2,656.1   2,919.5

     Cost of product sold           (643.6)   (627.2) (1,733.7) (1,880.7)
                                    ------    ------  --------  --------
          Gross profit               344.1     404.0     922.4   1,038.8

     Selling, general and
      administrative expenses       (204.3)   (200.5)   (538.7)   (659.2)
     Impairment of intangible
      assets                             -         -         -     (21.8)
     Restructuring charges            (5.1)     (4.3)    (27.2)    (40.3)
     Acquisition-related
      integration costs               (0.1)     (1.5)     (0.2)     (7.6)
                                      ----      ----      ----      ----
          Operating income           134.6     197.7     356.3     309.9

     Equity in earnings of
      equity method investees         34.6      76.3     170.6     218.5
     Interest expense, net           (64.0)    (78.4)   (197.4)   (245.7)
                                     -----     -----    ------    ------
          Income before income
           taxes                     105.2     195.6     329.5     282.7

     Provision for income
      taxes                          (61.1)   (112.1)   (179.2)   (177.3)
                                     -----    ------    ------    ------
          Net income                 $44.1     $83.5    $150.3    $105.4
                                     =====     =====    ======    ======



     Earnings Per Common
      Share:
          Basic -Class A Common
           Stock                     $0.20     $0.39     $0.69     $0.49
          Basic -Class B Common
           Stock                     $0.18     $0.35     $0.63     $0.45

          Diluted -Class A Common
           Stock                     $0.20     $0.38     $0.68     $0.48
          Diluted -Class B Common
           Stock                     $0.18     $0.35     $0.62     $0.44

     Weighted Average Common
      Shares Outstanding:
          Basic -Class A Common
           Stock                   196.505   194.451   195.880   193.656
          Basic -Class B Common
           Stock                    23.734    23.744    23.738    23.756

          Diluted -Class A Common
           Stock                   222.205   220.006   220.849   219.970
          Diluted -Class B Common
           Stock                    23.734    23.744    23.738    23.756


    Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (in millions)

                                                       Nine Months Ended
                                                       -----------------
                                                 November 30,     November 30,
                                                     2009              2008
                                                     ----              ----
    Cash Flows From Operating Activities
       Net income                                   $150.3            $105.4
       Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
        cash provided by operating activities:
          Depreciation of property, plant and
           equipment                                 111.5             109.2
          Stock-based compensation expense            39.2              34.1
          Loss on contractual obligation from put
           option of Ruffino shareholder              34.3                 -
          Equity in earnings of equity method
           investees, net of distributed earnings     27.0               8.6
          Amortization of intangible and other assets  8.9              10.0
          Loss on business sold                        0.8              15.8
          Loss on disposal or impairment of
           long-lived assets, net                      0.7              29.3
          Deferred tax (benefit) provision           (22.8)              9.6
          Write-down of inventory associated with the
           Australian Initiative                         -              47.6
          Impairment of intangible assets                -              21.8
          Change in operating assets and liabilities,
           net of effects from purchases and sales
           of businesses:
             Accounts receivable, net               (307.3)           (187.4)
             Inventories                             (32.3)           (176.6)
             Prepaid expenses and other current
              assets                                   7.3              16.4
             Accounts payable                         63.2              38.3
             Accrued excise taxes                     11.5              75.9
             Other accrued expenses and liabilities   57.1              39.5
             Other, net                               39.3             133.4
                                                      ----             -----
                Total adjustments                     38.4             225.5
                                                      ----             -----
                Net cash provided by
                 operating activities                188.7             330.9
                                                     -----             -----

    Cash Flows From Investing Activities
       Proceeds from sale of business                276.4             204.2
       Proceeds from sales of assets                  16.5              18.9
       Purchases of property, plant and equipment    (89.2)            (95.6)
       Investment in equity method investee           (0.6)             (1.0)
       Purchase of business, net of cash acquired        -               0.2
       Capital distributions from equity method
        investees                                      0.2              20.7
       Other investing activities                      0.6               9.9
                                                       ---               ---
                Net cash provided by
                 investing activities                203.9             157.3
                                                     -----             -----

    Cash Flows From Financing Activities
       Principal payments of long-term debt         (529.8)           (225.2)
       Net proceeds from (repayment of) notes
        payable                                      124.2            (137.4)
       Proceeds from maturity of derivative
        instrument                                    33.2                 -
       Exercise of employee stock options             10.7              25.5
       Proceeds from employee stock purchases          2.3               2.9
       Excess tax benefits from stock-based
        payment awards                                 2.5               7.0
                                                       ---               ---
                Net cash used in
                 financing activities               (356.9)           (327.2)
                                                    ------            ------

    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
     cash investments                                  1.5              (0.2)
                                                       ---              ----

    Net increase in cash and cash equivalents         37.2             160.8
    Cash and cash investments, beginning of period    13.1              20.5
                                                      ----              ----
     Cash and cash investments, end of period        $50.3            $181.3
                                                     =====            ======

    Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    SEGMENT INFORMATION
    (in millions)

                                        Three Months Ended
                                        ------------------
                                                                  Percent
                                       November 30,  November 30,  Change
                                               2009          2008
                                               ----          ----

    Segment Net Sales and
     Operating Income
      Constellation Wines (1)
            Branded wine net sales           $868.1        $848.7       2%
            Spirits net sales                  51.3         111.4    (54%)
            Other net sales                    68.3          71.1     (4%)
                                               ----          ----
                Segment net sales            $987.7      $1,031.2     (4%)
                Operating income             $218.3        $240.5     (9%)
                % Net sales                    22.1%         23.3%
                Equity in earnings of
                 equity method                $14.4         $14.6      NM
                investees

       Crown Imports
                Segment net sales            $498.8        $554.7    (10%)
                Operating income              $91.4        $123.5    (26%)
                % Net sales                    18.3%         22.3%

       Consolidation and
        Eliminations
                Segment net sales           $(498.8)      $(554.7)   (10%)
                Operating income             $(91.4)      $(123.5)   (26%)
                Equity in earnings of
                 Crown Imports                $45.6         $61.7    (26%)

       Corporate Operations and
        Other
                Consolidated net sales       $987.7      $1,031.2     (4%)
                Operating income             $(28.0)       $(21.9)     28%
                % Net sales                     2.8%          2.1%




                                         Nine Months Ended
                                        -----------------
                                                                  Percent
                                       November 30,  November 30,  Change
                                               2009          2008
                                               ----          ----

    Segment Net Sales and
     Operating Income
      Constellation Wines (1)
            Branded wine net sales         $2,308.4      $2,396.5     (4%)
            Spirits net sales                 176.3         326.1    (46%)
            Other net sales                   171.4         196.9    (13%)
                                              -----         -----
                Segment net sales          $2,656.1      $2,919.5     (9%)
                Operating income             $553.8        $568.1     (3%)
                % Net sales                    20.9%         19.5%
                Equity in earnings of
                 equity method                $15.3         $16.8     (9%)
                investees

       Crown Imports
                Segment net sales          $1,827.6      $1,959.3     (7%)
                Operating income             $362.1        $410.9    (12%)
                % Net sales                    19.8%         21.0%

       Consolidation and
        Eliminations
                Segment net sales         $(1,827.6)    $(1,959.3)    (7%)
                Operating income            $(362.1)      $(410.9)   (12%)
                Equity in earnings of
                 Crown Imports               $180.7        $205.8    (12%)

       Corporate Operations and
        Other
                Consolidated net sales     $2,656.1      $2,919.5     (9%)
                Operating income             $(72.7)       $(72.1)      1%
                % Net sales                     2.7%          2.5%



    NM = Not Meaningful

    (1)  In connection with the Company's divestiture of its value
    spirits business and the integration of the retained spirits brands
    into the Constellation Wines business, the Company changed its
    internal management financial reporting on May 1, 2009.  The Company
    now reports its operating results in three segments:  Constellation
    Wines, Crown Imports and Corporate Operations and Other.  Prior
    results have been restated to conform with the new segment
    presentation.

    Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
    (in millions)

                            Three Months Ended                       Constant
                            ------------------                       Currency
                       November 30, November 30, Percent  Currency   Percent
                          2009           2008    Change   Impact     Change(3)
                          ----           ----
    Geographic Net
     Sales (1)(2)
        North America    $707.9         $780.0     (9%)        1%       (10%)
          Branded wine   $621.5         $630.3     (1%)        1%        (3%)
          Spirits         $51.3         $111.4    (54%)        -        (54%)
          Other           $35.1          $38.3     (8%)        2%       (10%)

        Europe           $177.1         $163.3       8%      (2%)         11%
          Branded wine   $146.1         $133.8       9%      (2%)         12%
          Other           $31.0          $29.5       5%      (2%)          7%

        Australia/
         New Zealand     $102.7          $87.9      17%       17%          -
          Branded wine   $100.5          $84.6      19%       17%          2%
          Other            $2.2           $3.3    (33%)       12%       (45%)



                                                                     Organic
                        Three Months Ended                          Constant
                        ------------------                          Currency
                      November 30,  November 30, Percent  Currency  Percent
                          2009           2008    Change    Impact    Change(3)
                          ----           ----
    Branded Wine
     Geographic
     Net Sales (1)(2)
         North America   $621.5         $630.3     (1%)        1%        (3%)
         Europe           146.1          133.8       9%      (2%)         12%
         Australia/
          New Zealand     100.5           84.6      19%       17%          2%
                          -----           ----
           Consolidated
            branded
            wine net
            sales        $868.1         $848.7       2%        2%          -
                         ======         ======



                          Nine Months Ended                         Constant
                          -----------------                         Currency
                       November 30, November 30, Percent  Currency  Percent
                          2009          2008     Change   Impact     Change(3)
                          ----          ----
    Geographic
     Net Sales (1)(2)
        North America  $1,902.8       $2,098.6     (9%)      (1%)        (9%)
          Branded wine $1,665.1       $1,695.7     (2%)      (1%)        (1%)
          Spirits        $176.3         $326.1    (46%)        -        (46%)
          Other           $61.4          $76.8    (20%)      (2%)       (18%)

        Europe           $485.6         $536.5     (9%)     (16%)          6%
          Branded wine   $381.7         $429.9    (11%)     (15%)          4%
          Other          $103.9         $106.6     (3%)     (18%)         15%

        Australia/
         New Zealand     $267.7         $284.4     (6%)      (8%)          2%
          Branded wine   $261.6         $270.9     (3%)      (8%)          5%
          Other            $6.1          $13.5    (55%)      (1%)       (53%)



                         Nine Months Ended                            Organic
                         -----------------                            Constant
                        November  November         Divestiture        Currency
                          30,        30,    Percent  Impact Currency  Percent
                         2009       2008     Change   (4)   Impact   Change(3)
                         ----       ----

    Branded Wine
     Geographic Net
     Sales (1)(2)
       North America  $1,665.1    $1,695.7     (2%)    -      (1%)        -
       Europe            381.7       429.9    (11%)    -     (15%)        4%
       Australia/
        New Zealand      261.6       270.9     (3%)    -      (8%)        5%
                         -----       -----
         Consolidated
          branded
          wine net
          sales       $2,308.4    $2,396.5     (4%)    -      (5%)        1%
                      ========    ========

    (1) Refer to discussion under "Reconciliation of Reported, Organic
    and Constant Currency Net Sales" on following page for definition of
    constant currency net sales and organic constant currency net sales
    and reasons for use.

    (2) Net sales are attributed to countries based on the location of
    the selling company.

    (3) May not sum due to rounding as each item is computed independently.

    (4) Divestiture impact includes the removal of branded wine net
    sales associated with the Pacific Northwest brands for the period
    March 1, 2008, through May 31, 2008, included in the nine months
    ended November 30, 2008.


    Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    RECONCILIATION OF REPORTED, ORGANIC AND CONSTANT CURRENCY NET SALES
    (in millions)

    As the company sold certain Pacific Northwest wine brands on June 5,
    2008; exited certain spirits production contracts in connection with
    the sale of a Canadian distilling facility on August 31, 2008; and
    sold certain value spirits brands on March 24, 2009, organic net
    sales for the respective periods are defined by the company as
    reported net sales less net sales of Pacific Northwest wine brands
    and/or net sales of certain spirits contract production services
    and/or value brands, as appropriate.  Organic net sales and
    percentage increase (decrease) in constant currency net sales (which
    excludes the impact of year over year currency exchange rate
    fluctuations) are provided because management uses this information
    in monitoring and evaluating the underlying business trends of the
    continuing operations of the company.  In addition, the company
    believes this information provides investors better insight on
    underlying business trends and results in order to evaluate year
    over year financial performance.


                             Three Months Ended                       Constant
                             ------------------                       Currency
                       November 30,  November 30,  Percent  Currency  Percent
                            2009         2008      Change    Impact  Change(1)
                            ----         ----
    Consolidated Net Sales
      Branded wine         $868.1       $848.7         2%        2%         -
      Spirits                51.3        111.4      (54%)        -       (54%)
      Other                  68.3         71.1       (4%)        1%       (5%)
                             ----         ----
         Consolidated
          reported net
          sales             987.7      1,031.2       (4%)        2%       (6%)
      Less:  Pacific
       Northwest branded
       wine net sales (2)       -            -
      Less:  Spirits net
       sales (3)                -        (59.3)
                              ---        -----
         Consolidated
          organic net
          sales            $987.7       $971.9         2%        2%         -
                           ======       ======

    Branded Wine Net Sales
      Branded wine
       reported net
       sales               $868.1       $848.7         2%        2%         -
      Less:  Pacific
       Northwest
       branded wine
       net sales (2)            -            -
                              ---          ---
         Branded wine
          organic net
          sales            $868.1       $848.7         2%        2%         -
                           ======       ======

    Spirits Net Sales
      Spirits reported
       net sales            $51.3       $111.4      (54%)        -       (54%)
      Less:  Spirits net
       sales (3)               -         (59.3)
                             ---         -----
         Spirits organic
          net sales        $51.3         $52.1       (2%)        -        (2%)
                           =====         =====


                          Nine Months Ended                          Constant
                          -----------------                          Currency
                       November 30, November 30,  Percent  Currency  Percent
                           2009         2008      Change    Impact   Change(1)
                           ----         ----

    Consolidated Net Sales
      Branded wine      $2,308.4      $2,396.5      (4%)      (4%)         1%
      Spirits              176.3         326.1     (46%)        -        (46%)
      Other                171.4         196.9     (13%)     (10%)        (2%)
                           -----         -----
         Consolidated
          reported net
          sales          2,656.1       2,919.5      (9%)      (4%)        (5%)
      Less:  Pacific
       Northwest
       branded wine
       net sales (2)           -          (7.9)
      Less:  Spirits
       net sales (3)           -        (177.3)
                             ---        ------
         Consolidated
          organic net
          sales         $2,656.1      $2,734.3      (3%)      (4%)         2%
                        ========      ========

    Branded Wine Net Sales
      Branded wine
       reported net
       sales            $2,308.4      $2,396.5      (4%)      (4%)         1%
      Less:  Pacific
       Northwest
       branded wine
       net sales (2)           -          (7.9)
                             ---          ----
         Branded wine
          organic net
          sales         $2,308.4      $2,388.6      (3%)      (4%)         1%
                        ========      ========

    Spirits Net Sales
      Spirits reported
       net sales          $176.3        $326.1     (46%)        -        (46%)
      Less:  Spirits
       net sales (3)           -        (177.3)
                             ---        ------
         Spirits organic
          net sales       $176.3        $148.8       18%        -         18%
                          ======        ======

    (1)  May not sum due to rounding as each item is computed independently.

    (2)  For the period March 1, 2008, through May 31, 2008, included in
    the nine months ended November 30, 2008.

    (3)  Includes certain spirits contract production services net sales
    and certain value spirits brands net sales for the period
    September 1, 2008, through November 30, 2008, included in the three
    months ended November 30, 2008.  Includes certain spirits contract
    production services net sales for the period March 1, 2008, through
    November 30, 2008, and certain value spirits brands net sales for
    the period March 25, 2008, through November 30, 2008, included in
    the nine months ended November 30, 2008.


    Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (1)
    (in millions, except per share data)


                             Three Months Ended November 30, 2009
                             ------------------------------------
                                              Strategic            Comparable
                     Reported                  Business                Basis
                       Basis      Inventory    Realign-                (Non-
                       (GAAP)      Step-up      ment(2)   Other(3)      GAAP)
                       ------      -------      -------   --------      -----

    Net Sales          $987.7                                          $987.7
      Cost of
       product sold    (643.6)        2.0         3.2                  (638.4)
                       ------         ---         ---                  ------
    Gross Profit        344.1         2.0         3.2            -      349.3
      Selling, general
       and
       administrative
       expenses
       ("SG&A")        (204.3)                   11.0         34.3     (159.0)
      Impairment of
       intangible
       assets               -                       -                       -
      Restructuring
       charges           (5.1)                    5.1                       -
      Acquisition-related
       integration costs (0.1)                    0.1                       -
                         ----                     ---                     ---
    Operating Income    134.6         2.0        19.4         34.3      190.3
      Equity in
       earnings of
       equity method
       investees         34.6                                 25.4       60.0
                                                                         ----
    EBIT                                                                250.3
      Interest expense,
       net              (64.0)                                          (64.0)
                        -----                                           -----
    Income Before
     Income Taxes       105.2         2.0        19.4         59.7      186.3
      (Provision for)
       benefit from
       income taxes     (61.1)       (0.8)       (4.0)           -      (65.9)
                        -----        ----        ----          ---      -----
    Net Income          $44.1        $1.2       $15.4        $59.7     $120.4
                        =====        ====       =====        =====     ======
    Diluted Earnings
     Per Common Share   $0.20       $0.01       $0.07        $0.27      $0.54
                        =====       =====       =====        =====      =====
    Weighted Average
     Common Shares
     Outstanding -
     Diluted          222.205     222.205     222.205      222.205    222.205
                      =======     =======     =======      =======    =======

    Gross Margin        34.8%                                           35.4%
    SG&A as a percent
     of net sales       20.7%                                           16.1%
    Operating Margin    13.6%                                           19.3%
    Effective Tax Rate  58.1%                                           35.4%



                               Three Months Ended November 30, 2008
                               ------------------------------------
                                              Strategic            Comparable
                     Reported                  Business                Basis
                       Basis      Inventory    Realign-                (Non-
                       (GAAP)      Step-up      ment(2)   Other(3)      GAAP)
                       ------      -------      -------   --------      -----

    Net Sales        $1,031.2                                        $1,031.2

      Cost of
       product sold    (627.2)        6.1         2.3            -     (618.8)
                       ------         ---         ---          ---     ------
    Gross Profit        404.0         6.1         2.3            -      412.4
      Selling,
       general and
       administrative
       expenses
       ("SG&A")        (200.5)                    6.7                  (193.8)
      Impairment of
       intangible
       assets               -                       -                       -
      Restructuring
       charges           (4.3)                    4.3                       -
      Acquisition-
       related
       integration
       costs             (1.5)                    1.5                       -
                         ----                     ---                     ---
    Operating Income    197.7         6.1        14.8            -      218.6
      Equity in
       earnings of
       equity method
       investees         76.3                                    -       76.3
                                                                         ----
    EBIT                                                                294.9
      Interest
       expense, net     (78.4)                                          (78.4)
                        -----                                           -----
    Income Before
     Income Taxes       195.6         6.1        14.8            -      216.5
      (Provision for)
       benefit from
       income taxes    (112.1)       (2.3)       (2.5)        32.4      (84.5)
                       ------        ----        ----         ----      -----
    Net Income          $83.5        $3.8       $12.3        $32.4     $132.0
                        =====        ====       =====        =====     ======
    Diluted Earnings
     Per Common Share   $0.38       $0.02       $0.06        $0.15      $0.60
                        =====       =====       =====        =====      =====
    Weighted Average
     Common Shares
     Outstanding -
     Diluted          220.006     220.006     220.006      220.006    220.006
                      =======     =======     =======      =======    =======

    Gross Margin        39.2%                                           40.0%
    SG&A as a percent
     of net sales       19.4%                                           18.8%
    Operating Margin    19.2%                                           21.2%
    Effective Tax Rate  57.3%                                           39.0%



                                                     Percent         Percent
                                                    Change -         Change -
                                                    Reported        Comparable
                                                     Basis            Basis
                                                     (GAAP)         (Non-GAAP)

     Net Sales                                         (4%)              (4%)
          Cost of product sold                           3%                3%
     Gross Profit                                     (15%)             (15%)
          Selling, general and administrative
           expenses ("SG&A")                             2%             (18%)
          Impairment of intangible assets              N/A               N/A
          Restructuring charges                         19%              N/A
          Acquisition-related integration costs       (93%)              N/A
     Operating Income                                 (32%)             (13%)
          Equity in earnings of equity method
           investees                                  (55%)             (21%)
     EBIT                                              N/A              (15%)
          Interest expense, net                       (18%)             (18%)
     Income Before Income Taxes                       (46%)             (14%)
          (Provision for) benefit from income
           taxes                                      (45%)             (22%)
     Net Income                                       (47%)              (9%)
     Diluted Earnings Per Common Share                (47%)             (10%)
     Weighted Average Common Shares
          Outstanding - Diluted

     Gross Margin
     SG&A as a percent of net sales
     Operating Margin
     Effective Tax Rate


    Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (1)
    (in millions, except per share data)

                                Nine Months Ended November 30, 2009
                                -----------------------------------
                                                  Strategic      Comparable
                              Reported            Business         Basis
                                Basis   Inventory Realign-  Other  (Non-
                                (GAAP)   Step-up   ment(4)   (5)    GAAP)
                                ------   -------   -------   ---    -----

    Net Sales                  $2,656.1                           $2,656.1

      Cost of product sold     (1,733.7)     7.2     21.0         (1,705.5)
                               --------      ---     ----         --------
    Gross Profit                  922.4      7.2     21.0       -    950.6
      Selling, general and
       administrative
       expenses ("SG&A")         (538.7)             34.9    34.3   (469.5)
      Impairment of
       intangible assets              -                                  -
      Restructuring
       charges                    (27.2)             27.2                -
      Acquisition-related
       integration costs           (0.2)              0.2                -
                                   ----               ---              ---
    Operating Income              356.3      7.2     83.3    34.3    481.1
      Equity in earnings
       of equity method
       investees                  170.6                      25.4    196.0
                                                                     -----
    EBIT                                                             677.1
      Interest expense, net      (197.4)                            (197.4)
                                 ------                             ------
    Income Before Income Taxes    329.5      7.2     83.3    59.7    479.7
      (Provision for)
       benefit from income
       taxes                     (179.2)    (2.8)    15.4       -   (166.6)
                                 ------     ----     ----     ---   ------
    Net Income                   $150.3     $4.4    $98.7   $59.7   $313.1
                                 ======     ====    =====   =====   ======
    Diluted Earnings Per
     Common Share                 $0.68    $0.02    $0.45   $0.27    $1.42
                                  =====    =====    =====   =====    =====
    Weighted Average
     Common Shares
     Outstanding -
     Diluted                    220.849  220.849  220.849 220.849  220.849
                                =======  =======  ======= =======  =======

    Gross Margin                  34.7%                              35.8%
    SG&A as a percent of
     net sales                    20.3%                              17.7%
    Operating Margin              13.4%                              18.1%
    Effective Tax Rate            54.4%                              34.7%



                                  Nine Months Ended November 30, 2008
                                  -----------------------------------
                                                  Strategic      Comparable
                              Reported            Business         Basis
                                Basis   Inventory Realign-  Other  (Non-
                                (GAAP)   Step-up   ment(4)   (5)    GAAP)
                                ------   -------   -------   ---    -----

    Net Sales                 $2,919.5                            $2,919.5
      Cost of product
       sold                   (1,880.7)    16.7     56.2      0.1 (1,807.7)
                              --------     ----     ----      --- --------
    Gross Profit               1,038.8     16.7     56.2      0.1  1,111.8
      Selling, general
       and administrative
       expenses ("SG&A")        (659.2)             43.4            (615.8)
      Impairment of
       intangible assets         (21.8)             21.8                 -
      Restructuring
       charges                   (40.3)             40.3                 -
      Acquisition-
       related
       integration costs          (7.6)              7.6                 -
                                  ----               ---               ---
    Operating Income             309.9     16.7    169.3      0.1    496.0
      Equity in earnings
       of equity method
       investees                 218.5                        4.1    222.6
                                                                     -----
    EBIT                                                             718.6
      Interest expense, net     (245.7)                             (245.7)
                                ------                              ------
    Income Before
     Income Taxes                282.7     16.7    169.3      4.2    472.9
      (Provision for)
       benefit from
       income taxes             (177.3)    (6.3)   (17.1)    32.4   (168.3)
                                ------     ----    -----     ----   ------
    Net Income                  $105.4    $10.4   $152.2    $36.6   $304.6
                                ======    =====   ======    =====   ======
    Diluted Earnings
     Per Common Share            $0.48    $0.05    $0.69    $0.17    $1.38
                                 =====    =====    =====    =====    =====
    Weighted Average
     Common Shares
     Outstanding -
     Diluted                   219.970  219.970  219.970  219.970  219.970
                               =======  =======  =======  =======  =======

    Gross Margin                 35.6%                               38.1%
    SG&A as a percent
     of net sales                22.6%                               21.1%
    Operating Margin             10.6%                               17.0%
    Effective Tax Rate           62.7%                               35.6%



                                                   Percent          Percent
                                                   Change -         Change -
                                                   Reported        Comparable
                                                     Basis            Basis
                                                     (GAAP)         (Non-GAAP)

     Net Sales                                         (9%)              (9%)
          Cost of product sold                         (8%)              (6%)
     Gross Profit                                     (11%)             (14%)
          Selling, general and administrative
           expenses ("SG&A")                          (18%)             (24%)
          Impairment of intangible assets            (100%)              N/A
          Restructuring charges                       (33%)              N/A
          Acquisition-related integration costs       (97%)              N/A
     Operating Income                                   15%              (3%)
          Equity in earnings of equity method
           investees                                  (22%)             (12%)
     EBIT                                              N/A               (6%)
          Interest expense, net                       (20%)             (20%)
     Income Before Income Taxes                         17%                1%
          (Provision for) benefit from income
           taxes                                         1%              (1%)
     Net Income                                         43%                3%
     Diluted Earnings Per Common Share                  42%                3%
     Weighted Average Common Shares
          Outstanding - Diluted

     Gross Margin
     SG&A as a percent of net sales
     Operating Margin
     Effective Tax Rate

Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (continued)

NOTES

(1) The company reports its financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"). However, non-GAAP financial measures, as defined in the reconciliation tables above, are provided because management uses this information in evaluating the results of the continuing operations of the company and/or internal goal setting. In addition, the company believes this information provides investors better insight on underlying business trends and results in order to evaluate year over year financial performance. See the tables above for supplemental financial data and corresponding reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures for the three months and nine months ended November 30, 2009, and November 30, 2008. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, the company's reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Please refer to the company's Web site at http://www.cbrands.com/CBI/investors.htm for more detailed description and further discussion of these non-GAAP financial measures.

(2) For the three months ended November 30, 2009, strategic business realignment items primarily include costs recognized by the company in connection with the Global Initiative of $9.1 million, net of a tax benefit of $4.1 million, and the Australian Initiative of $3.3 million, net of a tax benefit of $0.0 million. For the three months ended November 30, 2008, strategic business realignment items consist primarily of costs recognized by the company in connection with its Australian Initiative of $6.1 million, net of a tax benefit of $0.0 million, and its Fiscal 2007 Wine Plan of $5.0 million, net of a tax benefit of $1.8 million.

(3) For the three months ended November 30, 2009, other consists of a loss of $34.3 million, net of a tax benefit of $0.0 million, on the contractual obligation created by the notification by the 9.9% shareholder of Ruffino S.r.l. ("Ruffino") to exercise the option to put its entire equity interest in Ruffino to the Company for a specified minimum value, and $25.4 million, net of a tax benefit of $0.0 million, associated with the impairment of the Company's investment in Ruffino. For the three months ended November 30, 2008, other consists of $32.4 million associated with the recognition of income tax expense in connection with the gain on settlement of certain foreign currency economic hedges.

(4) For the nine months ended November 30, 2009, strategic business realignment items primarily include (i) costs recognized by the company in connection with the Global Initiative of $42.7 million, net of a tax benefit of $20.5 million; (ii) tax expense associated with the March 2009 divestiture of the value spirits business of $37.5 million; and (iii) costs recognized by the company in connection with the Fiscal 2007 Wine Plan and Australian Initiative of $8.6 million, net of a tax benefit of $1.9 million, and $8.1 million, net of a tax benefit of $0.0 million, respectively. For the nine months ended November 30, 2008, strategic business realignment items consist primarily of (i) costs recognized by the company in connection with the Australian Initiative of $110.1 million, net of a tax benefit of $0.6 million, the Fiscal 2007 Wine Plan of $9.2 million, net of a tax benefit of $3.6 million, and the Fiscal 2008 Plan of $8.9 million, ne

Legislation was passed by the New Jersey legislature today which, if signed into law, will subject first time DUI high blood alcohol content offenders to use ignition interlock devices.  The legislation is applauded by Diageo, the world's largest alcohol manufacturer and a leader in the fight against drunk driving.  It is sponsored by New Jersey Assembly members Nelson Albano (D – District 1), and Nancy Munoz (R – District 21), and State Senator James Whelan (D – District 2).

"We congratulate legislators Albano, Munoz and James, and their colleagues for their efforts to pass this important legislation, which will further help in the critical fight against drunk driving," said Guy L. Smith, Executive Vice President, Diageo North America.  "We strongly encourage Governor Corzine to sign this drunk driving prevention legislation into law."

Continued Smith, "We would hope that all concerned parties would rally around this common sense bill to help make New Jersey's roads safer."

Diageo has worked in legislatures throughout the nation to increase penalties for drunk driving.  In addition, Diageo is a founding member and major supporter of The Century Council, an organization funded by some of the country's leading distillers committed to developing programs to combat drunk driving and underage drinking.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE Diageo

RELATED LINKS
http://www.Diageo.com

Prepare your palate for Piquillo red peppers and rosado wine! For nine days, February 6 through 14, The Kingdom of Navarra, Spain will visit New York and Washington D.C. for a gastronomic celebration. Restaurants in both cities will offer menus highlighting Navarra's unique traditional dishes and local wines.

Chefs in restaurants throughout New York and Washington D.C. will prepare tantalizing cuisine nurturing a cooking style of complex flavors and mixed textures. Menus will include Navarran dishes such as: Warm Partridge & Jabugo Ham Salad, Artichokes fried with Tocino (Jabugo Ham fat), Piquillo red peppers stuffed with meat or fish, Pochas beans, roast suckling pig, sauteed wild Mushrooms and white asparagus, Lobster, Puff Pastry with Potato & Foie and Sweet Wine Sauce. Complement these exciting flavors with a Navarrese wine, a region some say produce the best wineries in Spain. Choose a wine from one of the many Navarran vineyards to accompany an entree, tapas or some fabulous Navarran cheese: a Roncal, or Idiazabal.  

Participating restaurants in New York and Washington D.C. are found below or online at http://www.navarragastronomy.com/restaurants.php

About Navarra:

The region of Navarra in the north of Spain borders the Basque Country, La Rioja, Aragon, and the Pyrenees which makes it a vital part of El Camino de Santiago, (Saint James Way). This ancient kingdom's rich history leaves its legacy within medieval villages and festivals such as the famous San Fermin in Pamplona – eight days of bull running celebrated each July and immortalized by Hemingway in "The Sun Also Rises".

Navarra's unusual past and diverse topography has made it an attraction for "off the beaten" path travelers and food and wine aficionados. Graced with cool uplands and sun-drenched fertile valleys Navarra produces superb culinary products and wines of the highest quality. The old Kingdom of Navarra has preserved its royal nobility in rich tradition of food and wine.

The Kingdom of Navarra, Spain Visits US is sponsored by the Government of Navarra and the Navarra Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on restaurants included and events, will be posted on http://www.navarragastronomy.com

SOURCE Navarra

RELATED LINKS
http://www.navarragastronomy.com

Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. ("FEMSA" "FMX") (NYSE: FMX; BMV: FEMSAUBD), the largest beverage company in Latin America, today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved a definitive agreement under which FEMSA will exchange its FEMSA Cerveza business unit for a 20% economic interest in Heineken (HEIA.NA; HEIN.AS; HEIO.NA; HEIO.AS), one of the world's leading brewers. Under the terms of the agreement, FEMSA will receive 43,018,320 shares of Heineken Holding N.V. and 72,182,201 shares of Heineken N.V., of which 29,172,502 will be delivered pursuant to an allotted share delivery instrument. It is expected that the allotted shares will be acquired by Heineken in the secondary market for delivery to FEMSA over a term not to exceed five years. Heineken also will assume US$ 2.1 billion of indebtedness including FEMSA Cerveza's unfunded pension obligations. The total transaction is valued at approximately US$ 7.347 billion, based on closing prices of euro 32.92 for Heineken N.V. and euro 29.38 for Heineken Holding N.V. on January 8, 2010, including the assumed debt. Jose Antonio Fernandez Carbajal, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of FEMSA, will join Heineken N.V.'s Supervisory Board as a Vice Chairman. Mr. Fernandez will also serve as Chairman of the newly-formed Americas Committee and will be a member of the Heineken Holding N.V. Board. Another member of FEMSA's senior management team will also serve on the Heineken N.V. Supervisory Board.

Mr. Fernandez said, "We are enthusiastic about this transaction, which positions FEMSA's beer operations to become an integral part of Heineken's leading global platform. In the context of the reconfiguration of the global brewing landscape, scale and geographic diversification are more important than ever, and this transaction responds to that imperative. Heineken presented us with the most compelling opportunity to transform our brewing assets, enabling us to unlock the significant value that we have created during the past decade. The transaction also allows our shareholders, through our significant stake in Heineken, to participate in the long-term value creation we believe will come from aligning FEMSA Cerveza with Heineken. At the same time, it increases FEMSA's operational and financial flexibility, allowing us to focus our attention and resources on the significant growth opportunities for Coca-Cola FEMSA and OXXO."

Commenting on the Transaction, Jean-Francois van Boxmeer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Heineken, said:

"This is a compelling and significant development for Heineken. It transforms our future in the Americas and marks the next stage in Heineken's strong association with FEMSA. Through this deal we become a much stronger, more competitive player in Latin America, one of the world's most profitable and fastest growing beer markets. The acquisition strengthens considerably our position within the global beer market, expands our portfolio of leading international brands and enhances our leading position in the US import market. I am confident that this transaction will generate considerable future value for stakeholders in both groups.

"I am delighted to welcome our new and talented colleagues into Heineken. We will benefit from their considerable skills, experience and ideas. We also welcome FEMSA as a significant shareholder in the Heineken Group. We look forward to their valuable contribution to our future."

The transaction combines FEMSA Cerveza's beer brands, including Dos Equis, Sol and Tecate, with Heineken's global platform and Premium brand portfolio, including Heineken, the iconic and only truly global premium beer brand, as well as Amstel, Birra Moretti and Cruzcampo. Heineken will gain important market positions in Mexico and Brazil, further strengthening Heineken's worldwide footprint. Under a long-standing agreement, Heineken currently distributes FEMSA Cerveza's beer brands in the U.S., and the two companies also share joint ownership of their beer operations in Brazil.

The transaction, which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2010, is subject to customary regulatory approvals, as well as approval by FEMSA, Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shareholders.

Allen & Company, N M Rothschild & Sons Ltd., and Rebecca Miller acted as financial advisors, and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP provided legal advice to FEMSA in connection with this transaction.

FEMSA will host a conference call today, Monday, January 11, 2010 at 8:30 AM Eastern Time (7:30 AM Mexico City Time) to discuss the transaction, followed by a question and answer session. To participate in the call, please dial Domestic US: (1 888)-600-4871 or International: (1 913)-312-1491. The conference call will be webcast live through streaming audio in www.femsa.com/investor.

A presentation related to the transaction will be posted on our website at http://ir.femsa.com/events.cfm ahead of the conference call.

FEMSA is the leading beverage company in Latin America. It controls a platform that comprises Coca-Cola FEMSA, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the region; FEMSA Cerveza, one of the leading brewers in Mexico, with presence in Brazil, and an important beer exporter to the United States and other countries; and Oxxo, the largest and fastest growing convenience store chain in Mexico with over 7,300 stores.

SOURCE FEMSA

Legislation was passed by the New Jersey legislature today which, if signed into law, will subject first time DUI high blood alcohol content offenders to use ignition interlock devices.  The legislation is applauded by Diageo, the world's largest alcohol manufacturer and a leader in the fight against drunk driving.  It is sponsored by New Jersey Assembly members Nelson Albano (D – District 1), and Nancy Munoz (R – District 21), and State Senator James Whelan (D – District 2).

"We congratulate legislators Albano, Munoz and James, and their colleagues for their efforts to pass this important legislation, which will further help in the critical fight against drunk driving," said Guy L. Smith, Executive Vice President, Diageo North America.  "We strongly encourage Governor Corzine to sign this drunk driving prevention legislation into law."

Continued Smith, "We would hope that all concerned parties would rally around this common sense bill to help make New Jersey's roads safer."

Diageo has worked in legislatures throughout the nation to increase penalties for drunk driving.  In addition, Diageo is a founding member and major supporter of The Century Council, an organization funded by some of the country's leading distillers committed to developing programs to combat drunk driving and underage drinking.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE Diageo

RELATED LINKS
http://www.Diageo.com

The Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA) has kicked off its annual search for the world's best beers, with UK brewers encouraged to enter the second largest beer competition of its kind, joining the global battle for beer supremacy.

The AIBA offer UK exhibitors the chance to test their skills against the best brewers in the world. In 2009, a record 1,140 entries were received including 22 entries from UK based brewers, a 36 percent increase on 2008.

Figures from the 2009 Awards reflect some of the biggest trends in the UK beer market, notably the rise of smaller breweries and the increasing popularity of ales, with more than half of entries submitted in the ale category.

"Representative of local market trends, results from the 2009 AIBA show a continued increase in the range and variety of beers available, particularly from small and craft brewers," said Dr George Philliskirk, 2009 AIBA Judge and Director, UK Beer Academy.

According to figures from the Campaign for Real Ale, the small breweries market in the UK continues to boom, with 71 new outlets opening in the last year to take the total to over 700. This growth in numbers has matched a similar growth in sales, with members of the UK's Society of Independent Brewers reporting a 20 per cent increase in 2008 sales*.

"Easily of an equal standard to similar competitions in the UK and US, the AIBA provide consumers and industry with a benchmark of brewing excellence, thanks to the inclusion of a broad representative of beers from around the world, and a high standard of excellence across the board," said Mr. Anthony Duckworth, 2004 AIBA judge and former Bass North Ltd Director (UK).

The annual AIBA judge beers in a variety of classes. In addition to awarding the coveted gold, silver and bronze medals in each class, judges award 16 prestigious Championship Trophies, including a new Champion Gluten Free Beer Trophy.

Presented annually by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria and the University of Ballarat, the event will culminate in a gala awards presentation in Melbourne, Australia on Thursday, 20 May 2010.

Entries close 29 January 2010. For details visit www.beerawards.com.

* UK: JD Wetherspoon hails real ale revival, 11 September 2009



    For all media inquiries:    Cara Norden, Wrights -
                                +61 421 549 408
                                cnorden@wrights.com.au


SOURCE Australian International Beer Awards

RELATED LINKS
http://www.beerawards.com

As tax refund checks arrive in homes later this year, many will put that money to good use and remodel their kitchen. The first appliance eyed to be replaced is usually the refrigerator. Although President Obama has put together a "cash for clunker refrigerator" program, many will choose to keep their older refrigerator, but not necessarily just for the storage of food.

Some will add a beverage dispensing system like the one offered by Leland Gas Technologies. They call it the Leland CO2 FridgeTap(TM), a complete kit to install a draft dispensing faucet on the outside of a refrigerator door to "push" beer or soda in a keg from the inside. The device is powered by a simple CO2 cartridge, which has enough gas in it to dispense over 80 12oz glasses of beverage.

Aside from the novelty of having draft beverages at one's fingertips, users will realize a real benefit: equipment payback. The cost of beer in a keg is far less expensive than bottled beer. On average, a 12oz bottle of beer costs $1.15 compared to $0.45 per 12oz glass of draft beer from a keg.

Leland did not create their CO2 FridgeTap(TM) product for that reason though. They are beer geeks, the ones who know about beverage quality, like how many grams of CO2 are in an ounce of beer and which hops smell better. They follow microbreweries in North America, sending their gas products to those Brewmasters so that the beer is "treated right" with Leland's clean CO2 TapGas(R) cylinders.

Unlike bottled or canned beverages, brewers of beer and soda typically do not add preservatives when they package their beverage in a keg. The beverage is kept cold from the brewery to the retail store and no UV light can penetrate the metal keg. All draft beverages are preserved and "pushed" by CO2, also a key ingredient in the recipe. Lack of CO2 pressure allows any carbonated beverage to go flat, but the CO2 FridgeTap has a unique pressure regulator which keeps the beverage in the keg effervescent and fresh for 6 weeks or more.

Available for $329, the complete kit comes with the hardware, hose and regulator pre-connected for ease of installation. The company also includes a professional hole saw so that the faucet can be mounted perfectly on the refrigerator door. All of the components, including the stainless steel drip tray, are commercial restaurant grade. Two filled CO2 cylinders top off the kit so that all you need to do is grab your electric drill, a wrench and you favorite keg of beer. The product will be available at refrigerator and beer retailers and online at http://www.MrFizz.com.

Photo: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/FridgeTap.jpg

About Leland

Since 1965 Leland has been making high pressure disposable gas filled cylinders filled with CO2, N20 and N2 for the beverage, safety and medical industries. Leland is ISO9001:2008 Registered.

Contact: Lee Stanford, President Leland Limited, Inc. 908-561-2000