Major Imports Slowing?
Two leading brands show softening sales
Two of the largest players in the import category, Corona Extra and Heineken, have reported softened sales after years of expansion.
Constellation Brands, Fairport, N.Y., which handles Corona and other Modelo products via the Crown Imports joint venture did not disclose exact figures last month, but the company stated that sales increased in the “low-single digits.”
Heineken has also slowed with mid-year sales up only 1.3% from January to June this year versus the same period a year ago compared to the 7.7% growth it posted from 2004 to 2006.
Corona took a significant price increase recently which has provided better margin but has cut into volume.
