CHICAGO -- Crown Imports LLCformerly Barton Beershas launched a company that it said is now the leading U.S. beer importer and includes Corona Extra, the No. 1 imported beer in the United States, as its leading brand.
The new organization, which became operational January 2, is the result of a joint venture partnership between Barton Beers/Constellation Brands Inc. and Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading company in the brewing, distribution and sale of beer.
Chicago-based Crown Imports LLC will import, distribute and market the Modelo [image-nocss] portfolio of beersCorona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo and Pacificoas well as the St. Pauli Girl and Tsingtao brands of imported beer across the entire United States.
Prior to formation of the new company, Barton Beers marketed the St. Pauli Girl and Tsingtao beers nationally and the Modelo portfolio in the 25 western states and was ranked the No. 3 U.S. beer importer.
We have enjoyed a long and very successful working relationship with the Modelo Brewery and we look forward to building on that success through this new and innovative national partnership, said Bill Hackett, president of the new company. Establishing Crown Imports as the single, national importer for the industry leading portfolio that includes the Modelo Brands, St. Pauli Girl and Tsingtao beers, offers a new range of opportunities for the business, the brands, our wholesaler and retailer partners and our employees.
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