CONSTELLATION ' S 2023 WINNING BRANDS

CATEGORY Unshackled Harvey & Harriet The Prisoner Kim Crawford Meiomi

YEAR Rising Star Rising Star Fast Track Established Growth Established Growth

Meiomi , a luxury wine brand that Constellation acquired in 2015 , also sold more than 1.8 million nine-liter cases in 2022 — a 7 % increase over 2021 . The wine is the leading ultra-premium wine brand priced $ 15 and above . Billy Lagor , senior vice president , brand management for Constellation ’ s Wind & Spirits division , credits Meiomi ’ s success in part to the flavor , balance and approachability of the wines .

Constellation acquired The Prisoner Wine Company ' s portfolio of brands in 2016 . The deal further strengthened the company ’ s position at the high-end of the wine category , and The Prisoner has been raking in the Growth Brands Awards : The Rising Star winner increased nearly 8 % in 2022 .

An offshoot of The Prisoner , Unshackled launched in winter 2020 — just before the start of the pandemic . The endorsement of The Prisoner helped encourage people to try the brand in those early days , says Bukola Ekundayo , vice president and general manager of The Prisoner Wine Company . Unshackled , a Rising Star brand , grew nearly 26 % in 2022 .

Another one of Constellation ’ s Rising Stars is Harvey & Harriet . The brand , which retails for about $ 30 per 750-ml . bottle , launched in 2019 as a lower-price option to the core line of Booker Vineyard , acquired by Constellation Brands in 2021 . Harvey & Harriet saw an 87.4 % increase in 2022 .

Constellation ’ s revamped portfolio appears to be well positioned to appeal to wine drinkers today , and likely the next generation . That means expect to see more Growth Brands Awards — and entrants into our Hall of Fame — from the company . BD

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