Beer marks its 20^th anniversary as nation's #1 import, rings in Cinco with complete 360 marketing campaign

New York, April 27, 2017 - This year, Corona Extra, the #1 Mexican beer that's long been synonymous with Cinco de Mayo celebrations, is stepping up celebrations nationwide with out-of-the-box executions and the brand's biggest-ever investment for the occasion. This year, the brand will continue its "Lime Drop" campaign with a complete 360^o marketing plan including national TV and digital advertising, social media, PR and retail programming.

"When you think Cinco, you think Corona," says John Alvarado, VP of marketing for Corona. "And everyone knows that when you pop off the cap and drop in a lime, the fiesta begins. So we're celebrating that 'lime drop' ritual again this year, in a fresh and unexpected way, for Cinco de Mayo. We love creating unique moments to celebrate with friends and family, and there's no better way to do that this Cinco than with an ice-cold Corona and a fresh wedge of lime."

To bring Corona's campaign to life, the brand has partnered with Transformers actor Josh Duhamel for a kick-off party in New York City, where he will help ring in Cinco de Mayo with a larger-than-life "Lime Drop." For the first time ever outside of New Year's Eve, the city's iconic Times Square Ball will be lit up to resemble a lime wedge and dropped for the celebration.

"I can't think of a better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than with a Corona. Generally, I'm a drop the lime in, turn the bottle upside down kind of guy, but this Lime Drop steps my game way up!" said Josh Duhamel. "I'm excited to help everyone ring in this year's Cinco."

2017 marks the Corona Extra brand's 20^th year as the nation's #1 imported beer. This year the brand is starting its Cinco celebrations in New York City, one of the top beer markets in U.S., where Corona Extra is the #1 beer overall.

As a part of the marketing efforts, Corona has also developed a second year of its social media #LimeDrop campaign, including a Snapchat lens, which will be released to a twenty-one (21) plus audience nationwide on Cinco de Mayo. In 2016, Corona was the #1 alcohol brand on Facebook and Instagram for the month of May and topped the list of brands detected in #CincodeMayo photos on Instagram with more than six times as many tags as the next closest brand.

Corona is also running a Cinco de Mayo-themed TV spot nationwide in the weeks leading up to May 5 - its biggest Cinco TV investment to-date - to remind everyone to get ready for the fiesta.

Constellation Brands, the exclusive brewer, importer and marketer of Corona for the U.S. market, will also ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on May 5. In 2016, the company was the #1 growth contributor at retail and the #1 growth contributor in the U.S. beer industry, thanks in large part to record-breaking sales of Corona Extra.

For more information on Corona Extra, please visit CoronExtraUSA.com, or follow the brand on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. To join the Cinco de Mayo fiesta, share your #LimeDrop moment on Instagram or Twitter.

About Corona Extra
Corona Extra is a pilsner-style lager with a golden hue that has been brewed in Mexico since 1925. The refreshing flavor and carefree attitude of Corona have made it the #1 imported beer in the U.S. and the #5 beer brand overall. Corona has been helping consumers "Find their Beach" in the U.S. since 1981.

The brand posted a recording-breaking year in 2016.

Corona Extra is exclusively brewed, imported and marketed by Constellation Brands for the U.S. market.

About Constellation Brands
Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a Fortune 500^® company, is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, New Zealand and Italy. Constellation is the No. 3 beer company in the U.S. with high-end, iconic imported brands such as Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra and Pacifico. The company's beer portfolio also includes Ballast Point, one of the most awarded craft brewers in the U.S. In addition, Constellation is the world's leader in premium wine, selling great brands that people love, including Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Kim Crawford, Meiomi, Mark West, Franciscan Estate, Ruffino and The Prisoner. The company's premium spirits brands include SVEDKA Vodka, Casa Noble Tequila and High West Whiskey.

Based in Victor, N.Y., the company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to brand building, our trade partners, the environment, our investors and to consumers around the world who choose our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. Founded in 1945, Constellation has grown to become a significant player in the beverage alcohol industry with more than 100 brands in its portfolio, about 40 facilities and approximately 8,000 talented employees. We express our company vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more, visit www.cbrands.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jennifer Dohm, Constellation Brands
Jennifer.Dohm@cbrands.com

Sarah Messenger, MULTIPLY
Constellation@wearemultip.ly
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