Constellation Brands Inc. (STZ) said sales at Crown Imports, its beer joint venture with Grupo Modelo (GPMCY), were below expectations in recent months as consumers have traded down and spent less at bars and restaurants.

Speaking on an earnings conference call, the company's executives said the summer selling season for the U.S. beer industry was challenging, but that marketing efforts are starting to help sales stabilize at its joint venture.

Constellation Brands swung to a fiscal second-quarter profit that exceeded analyst expectations, aided by efforts to cut costs and reduce debt.

-By Anjali Cordeiro, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2200; anjali.cordeiro@dowjones.com