On The Call: Constellation Brands CEO Robert Sands

The Associated Press

The holiday season is a big sales period for alcohol. Wine and spirits maker Constellation Brands Inc. CEO Robert Sands said to expect discounting and other promotions this year as companies compete amid what's likely to be a decline in consumer spending. He discussed the issue with analysts on a call Thursday during the company's second-quarter earnings conference call.

QUESTION: How will promotions play out for alcohol this holiday season?

RESPONSE: You know, you will see some intense promotions around spirits and you will see that around the super-premium brand, the $30, $75 type product, you are going to see promotional activity by the large companies. ... We are in a much better position than most companies to execute promotional activities, merchandising ... whereas many of our competitors who are small companies really don't have the manpower and the clout with distributors to execute in that regard."