Crown Volumes Slow, Still Gaining Share

Dear Client:Crown Imports' depletions slowed a bit in their fiscal third quarter (September through November), up 3 to 4% on Modelo products. With the loss of St. Pauli Girl (about 2 million cases), total beer depletions up 2 to 3%. Much of the gain was driven "primarily" by Modelo Especial, said Constellation chief Rob Sands, which is now a 40 million case brand. Modelo Especial received its first English language ads in the general market this Fall. "Crown continues to