Constellation Brands in the US has committed $2.5 million (€2.24) million to COVID-19 relief efforts, in partnership with a number of its brands.
Announcing the aid programme, president and chief executive officer of Constellation Brands Bill Newlands, said, “Our hearts go out to the many individuals and businesses impacted by this terrible virus.
“Many of our retailer partners, particularly local restaurants and bars and their employees, have been significantly [affected] by this situation. These businesses are essential to the fabric of our communities.
“It’s important that we all come together to help those most in need in this critical time. We are focusing our support on efforts that directly benefit those impacted, while also helping the larger industry on its path to recovery,” he added.
Commitments
Of these funds, €900 000 will be earmarked for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s (NRAEF) Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, which will be launched shortly.
“We are thrilled and inspired by Constellation Brands’ commitment to help restaurant employees throughout the industry and across the country [hit] by the COVID-19 crisis, said Rob Gifford, president of the NRAEF.
The drinks company has also established the Constellation Brands COVID-19 Crisis Relief Fund, through which it will match contributions from its employees 2:1 to donate to non-profit organisations supporting communities affected by the crisis.
In addition to this, the group will donate €224,000 to support relief efforts in Italy, which is home to the company’s Ruffino brand.
Constellation Brands, in partnership with Modelo Especial, has also pledged €450,000 to the US Bartenders’ Guild charity, a non-profit organisation for bartenders and other hospitality professionals currently offering support to members and support staff who have been affected by the crisis.
Modelo has also pledged to contribute an additional €220,000 to support first responders across the US.
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Elizabeth Schroeder. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
