Constellation Brands Inc. (Fairport / New York) – the largest producer of wine in the world, and one of the largest trading companies in the field of alcoholic beverages (including brands such as Robert Mondavi)) has announced it weill be culling 5% of all jobs in the company, and has also announced a reduced earning per share for 2009. The company currently employs around 8.000 people worldwide. The need to reduce costs is ascribed primarily to a significant reduction in wine sales in Australia and Great Britain towards the end of 2008. Another restructuring measure is the recent sale of the „Value Spirits“ division to the Sazerac Co. (New Orleans). Of the proceeds of 334 million US dollars from this transaction, 220 million dollars are to be applied to reducing debt. (MW / press releases)