The CEO of Constellation Brands has confirmed that the multi-category group will adjust its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
In a statement released yesterday (8 April), Bill Newlands said the company has renamed its DEI team as the ‘Inclusive Culture’ team and changed its supplier diversity programme to now focus on smaller, local businesses instead of diverse suppliers. The Corona brewer in the US will also bring its ‘Focus on Female Founders’ and ‘Focus on Minority Founders’ venture funding programmes to a close.
Newlands also announced that Constellation’s ‘Supplier Diversity’ programme will be known as the ‘Supplier Inclusion’ programme, “which is to engage with local small businesses where we operate that provide services aligned with our company’s needs,” he said.
“This aligns with our ongoing commitment to do our part to help build thriving and sustainable communities that support local residents, our employees and our business.”
He added: “As we’re all fully aware, we are operating in an increasingly polarised and highly charged environment, and a shifting legal landscape related to social and political issues. This requires us to be thoughtful in our approach and to operate with enhanced focus, going forward.”
The development comes three months after President Donald Trump issued an executive order that directed federal agencies to terminate their DEI programmes.
Constellation is set to announce its fiscal fourth-quarter results later today (9 April). In the group’s latest earnings report, a six-strong streak of quarterly sales rises came to an end, with a flat performance in Q3 – to the end of February – contributing to a nine-month top-line lift of 3%.
