Constellation splits from Accolade in Europe

Constellation Brands and Accolade Wines have separated their portfolios in mainland Europe although the partnership will remain in place in the UK and elsewhere around the world.

Tim Fogarty, vice-president for Constellation’s Europe Middle East and Africa division, told the drinks business that the split would take effect on 1 March this year.

“We’re parting way with Accolade in mainland Europe,” he said, “but staying with Accolade as a distributor in the UK for Mondavi, Nobilo, Blackstone, Ravenswood and other key brands.”

He said that Constellation was putting together its own sales team for Europe now with a focs on Spain, Germany, Russia, Luxembourg, Finland and Norway.

He praised Accolade’s team for a doing a “great job” with the brands which he said were in “good health”.

He added that the split was “amicable” and that the decision was similar to Accolade’s split from Constellation in the US some years ago.

“We still own a percentage of Accolade,” Fogarty continued, “we were just looking to do something in the best interests of all.”

Constellation will continue to co-operate in other world markets.