Constellation Brands has brought the Austin Cocktails start-up under its full control, building on an initial stake purchase three years ago. Coinciding with the announcement of a 2% lift in fiscal-full-year sales yesterday, the multi-category group has confirmed the full takeover of the premix cocktail start-up. The transaction, for an undisclosed sum, will see the Austin Cocktails portfolio sit in Constellation’s ‘Fine Wine & Craft Spirits’ division. The company bought into the female-fronted company in late-2018 as part of its ‘Focus on Female Founders’ initiative. According to Constellation, the brand is available in 28 US states and boasted a year-on-year volumes leap of 135% in the 12 months of 2021. “Austin Cocktails and its co-founders, Jill [Burns] and Kelly [Gasink], are at the forefront of understanding market trends toward premiumisation,” said chief growth, strategy & digital officer Mallika Monteiro. “We’re thrilled to have Jill and Kelly join our team … .” As well as a 75cl-bottle line of premix cocktails, which includes Cucumber Vodka Mojito, the Texas-based company also released a three-strong sparkling range in four-packs of 8.4oz (23.9cl) cans in mid-2020. Why e-commerce is a channel that brand owners must target – and fast - Click here for a Just Drinks focus