Fortune: Spirits “Sustainable” in 2008

In a presentation at the Baird’s Growth Stock Conference today, Fortune Brands ceo Bruce Carbonari talked about the spirits biz today and tomorrow. The company’s top initiative is growing its major premium spirits business, where Fortune is #4 in the world. But is premium spirits growth possible during a recession? Here’s what Bruce had to say about the past, present and future of Fortune’s spirits brands:PREMIUMIZATION. “[Premium spirits] is a favorable market profile really driven by the consumer. The consumer