Brown–Forman facts for kids
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| Public | |
| Traded as | |
| Industry | Alcoholic drink |
| Founded | 1870 |
| Founder | George Garvin Brown |
| Headquarters | Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
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Area served
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Worldwide |
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Key people
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| Products | |
| Revenue |  US$5.081 Billion (Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2022) |
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Operating income
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US$1.166 Billion (Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2021) |
| US$0.903 Billion (Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2021) |
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| Total assets | US$6.522 Billion (Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2021) |
| Total equity | US$3.963 Billion (Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2021) |
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Number of employees
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5,200 (2022) |
The Brown–Forman Corporation is a large American company. It is one of the biggest businesses in the world that makes and sells spirits and wines. The company is located in Louisville, Kentucky. It produces many well-known brands that are sold all over the world. Some of these brands include Jack Daniel's, Old Forester, Woodford Reserve, Finlandia, and Herradura.
Contents
Company History
Founding the Business
The company was started in 1870 by George Garvin Brown. He was a young salesman in Louisville. George had a new idea: he wanted to sell high-quality whiskey in sealed glass bottles. This was a new way to sell whiskey back then.
In 1890, the company's name changed to Brown–Forman and Company. This was to show that George Forman had become a partner. Even though there was a movement against alcohol in America, the company continued to do well.
George Forman passed away in 1901. George Garvin Brown then bought his share of the company. Soon after, Brown–Forman became an official corporation.
A Family Business
In 1904, Owsley Brown, George Garvin Brown's son, joined the company. When George Garvin Brown died in 1917, his son Owsley took over as the president.
During the Prohibition in the United States, it became illegal to make or sell alcohol. However, Brown–Forman was given one of only six special licenses in the country. This license allowed them to produce whiskey for medicinal purposes.
Growing and Changing
Over the years, Brown–Forman has bought and sold different brands and businesses.
- In 2005, the company sold its Lenox division. Lenox made fine china and had been part of Brown–Forman since 1983.
- In 2006, Brown–Forman bought the Chambord liqueur brand. This is a special black raspberry liqueur from France.
- In 2007, the company bought Tequila Herradura. This is a Mexican company that makes a high-quality tequila. They also sold their Hartman Luggage division that year.
- In 2011, the company sold Fetzer Vineyards, which made wines.
- In 2016, the Southern Comfort and Tuaca brands were sold.
- Also in 2016, Brown–Forman bought The BenRiach Distillery Company. This purchase added three Scotch whisky brands to their collection: GlenDronach, BenRiach, and Glenglassaugh.
- In 2020, the company sold the Early Times and Canadian Mist brands.
Brown–Forman also supports the Brown–Forman Retailer of the Year awards. These awards are given by the American Beverage Licensees.
Brown–Forman has two types of shares that people can buy. These shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The Brown family, who are descendants of the founder, own most of the shares that allow them to vote on company decisions. Other shares do not have voting rights.
Company Brands
Brown–Forman makes many different types of drinks. Here are some of their well-known brands:
American Whiskey
- Old Forester Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey (This was the first bourbon sold in sealed bottles, starting in 1870.)
- Woodford Reserve Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey
- Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey
Canadian Whisky
- Collingwood, a blended Canadian whisky
Scotch Whisky
- BenRiach, a single malt Scotch whisky
- GlenDronach, a single malt Scotch whisky
- Glenglassaugh, a single malt Scotch whisky
Wine
- Korbel, a sparkling wine (Brown–Forman helps distribute this brand)
- Sonoma-Cutrer Wines
Vodka
- Finlandia
- Maximus vodka (This brand is no longer made)
Gin
- Fords Gin
Tequila
- Don Eduardo
- El Jimador
- Herradura
- Pepe Lopez
Liqueur
- Chambord raspberry liqueur
Ready-to-Drink Coolers
- Little Black Dress
Protecting the Environment
In 2009, Newsweek magazine created "Green Rankings." These rankings looked at how well 500 large companies protected the environment. Brown–Forman was ranked 63rd out of 500 companies overall. They were also ranked 3rd in the food and beverage industry. This shows their efforts to be environmentally friendly.
