Constellation Brands becomes Major Supporter of IMW
The Institute of Masters of Wine is delighted to announce that Constellation Brands, Inc. has become a Major Supporter.
Constellation Brands is a leading international producer and marketer of wine, spirits and beer, with operations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Italy. Some of the company’s iconic brands include Robert Mondavi, Kim Crawford, Ruffino, Franciscan Estate, Inniskillin, Corona and SVEDKA.
Constellation Brands has supported the MW Study Programme in the U.S. for a number of years, and provides the venue for the MW Examination in San Francisco. They will now also be sponsoring the gala dinner during the annual North America seminar, as well as providing financial support to the Institute.
“We are thrilled to be renewing our sponsorship with IMW which we have supported in the past through Robert Mondavi Winery,” explained Ed LeMay, SVP Marketing Services. “Constellation Brands has a strong commitment to education and we look forward to supporting the Institute’s efforts to promote excellence, interaction and learning, across all sectors of the global wine community,” added Peter Marks MW, VP Constellation Academy of Wine and a Master of Wine.
The Robert Mondavi winery award, for the best overall result in the Theory part of the Master of Wine Examination, is sponsored and presented by Constellation Brands. It was first awarded in 1997, and previous recipients have included Washington State winemaker Bob Betz MW, wine journalist Tim Atkin MW, and current Institute Chairman Sarah Jane Evans MW. Robert Mondavi, the legendary Californian winemaker, became an Honorary Master of Wine in 1993 – one of only four people to achieve the honour – and was presented with the Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.
Sarah Jane Evans, Chairman of the Institute, said “We are delighted that our long association with Constellation Brands has come to fruition in this formal Major Supporter relationship. North America is an important area of focus for the Institute, and the Master of Wine community there is vibrant and engaged. Constellation Brands’ support for our growing community is greatly appreciated; we are fortunate to have them as an advocate for the relevance of the Master of Wine title to the North American wine trade.”
Ends (03 Nov 2014)
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Jean-Michel Valette MW (immediate past Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine) and Ed LeMay (SVP Marketing Services, Constellation Brands) raise a toast to the new Supporter relationship.
Please contact:
Ben McKeown
Communications Manager, Institute of Masters of Wine
T: +44 (0)207 383 9131
E: bmckeown@mastersofwine.org
www.twitter.com/mastersofwine
www.facebook.com/mastersofwine
Alicia Laury
Constellation Brands, Inc.
Director, Communications, Wine & Spirits Division
T: 415-912-3851
E: alicia.laury@cbrands.com
Notes to Editors:
About The Institute of Masters of Wine
There are 319 Masters of Wine today, working in 24 countries. The Membership encompasses winemakers, buyers, journalists, shippers, business owners, consultants, academics, and wine educators. The Institute of Masters of Wine, which is a non-profit organisation, stands for excellence, interaction, and learning. The Institute, which has its headquarters in London, runs courses, events and examinations on four continents. In addition to passing the Institute’s exams, Masters of Wine are required to sign the Code of Conduct and join the Institute before they are entitled to the initials ‘MW’. The Code of Conduct insists that Masters of Wine should act with honesty and integrity, and use every opportunity to share their understanding of wine with others. There are currently 294 students, from 38 countries, in the Master of Wine Study Programme.
About Constellation Brands
Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B) is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Italy. In 2013, Constellation was one of the best performing stocks in the S&P 500. Constellation is the number three beer company in the U.S. with high-end, iconic, imported brands including Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo and Pacifico. Constellation is also the world’s leader in premium wine selling great brands that people love including Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Kim Crawford, Rex Goliath, Mark West, Franciscan Estate, Ruffino and Jackson-Triggs. The company’s premium spirits brands include SVEDKA Vodka and Black Velvet Canadian Whisky. Based in Victor, N.Y., the company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to brand-building, our trade partners, the environment, our investors and to consumers around the world who choose our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. Founded in 1945, Constellation has grown to become a significant player in the beverage alcohol industry with more than 100 brands in its portfolio, sales in approximately 100 countries, about 40 facilities and approximately 6,300 talented employees. We express our company vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more, visit www.cbrands.com.