Photo credit: U.S. Grains & Bioproducts Council.
The U.S. Grains & Bioproducts Council recently escorted a delegation from Constellation Brands to Montana to support the company’s direct sourcing needs and strengthen connections with U.S. barley growers.
USGBC Senior Marketing Specialist Javier Chávez led the delegation, which visited Great Falls and met with representatives of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee for an update on statewide growing conditions and barley availability.
The Council has connected Constellation with U.S. barley growers over the past several years, including through the recent trade team. Constellation announced plans to invest $100 million in purchases and other initiatives in Idaho, Montana and North Dakota over the next five years.
As part of the investment, Constellation is establishing Farmers Future, a grower-led advisory committee that will bring together farmers, trade groups and community leaders to help inform investments aimed at strengthening agricultural resilience and the domestic agricultural supply chain.
Constellation already invests more than $750 million annually in U.S. farmers and suppliers and purchases approximately 80% of all U.S. barley exports, according to USGBC.
During the Montana visit, the delegation toured two farms and met with local growers to explore business opportunities and direct contracting arrangements to meet Constellation’s raw material needs. The group also toured Malteurop, a malting facility, to learn about its facilities and practices for maintaining and utilizing the quality of U.S. barley.
USGBC has worked with Constellation since the early development of its brewing operations in Mexico, promoting U.S. barley as a preferred source for the country’s brewing industry. The partnership is intended to expand demand for U.S. barley and connect growers with international brewing markets.
Source: U.S. Grains & Bioproducts Council, "USGBC Connects Constellation Brands With Barley Growers In Montana, $100 Million Investment Announced"