Who Owns Corona?

Corona Extra was first brewed in 1925 by Cerveceria Modelo (later Grupo Modelo) in Mexico City, Mexico. The brand was created as a pilsner-style lager and quickly became one of Mexico's most popular beers. The name "Corona" means "crown" in Spanish, and the brand's logo features a crown atop the distinctive clear glass bottle. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for distinctive beer products while establishing a unique approach that would define the Mexican beer category for generations.

Corona's rise to international prominence began in the 1980s when the brand was introduced to the U.S. market. The clear bottle, which allowed consumers to see the golden beer inside, was initially considered a liability by some distributors who worried about light damage. However, the transparent packaging became a key differentiator, and the tradition of serving Corona with a lime wedge in the bottle neck created a distinctive ritual that set the brand apart from competitors. This innovative packaging demonstrated exceptional ability to create unique brand experiences while establishing a competitive advantage in the beer market.

By the late 1980s, Corona had become the best-selling imported beer in the United States, overtaking Heineken. The brand's marketing consistently emphasized a beach lifestyle, relaxation, and escape from everyday stress. The "Find Your Beach" campaign became one of the most successful beer marketing platforms in history, positioning Corona as the beer of vacation, sunshine, and laid-back enjoyment. This strategic marketing demonstrated Corona's exceptional ability to create emotional connections with consumers while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.

Grupo Modelo, Corona's parent company, was acquired by AB InBev in 2013 for $20.1 billion. The U.S. Department of Justice approved the deal only on the condition that AB InBev divest Grupo Modelo's U.S. beer business to Constellation Brands, preventing AB InBev from controlling too large a share of the American beer market. This regulatory decision proved enormously beneficial for Constellation Brands, as Corona and Modelo brands have experienced exceptional growth in the U.S. market. This strategic acquisition demonstrated Corona's exceptional ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while maintaining its core brand identity and market leadership.

Under Constellation Brands' stewardship in the United States, Corona has expanded its product line to include Corona Light, Corona Premier, Corona Hard Seltzer, Corona Non-Alcoholic, and Corona Sunbrew (with added Vitamin D). Modelo Especial, also distributed by Constellation, has become the best-selling beer in the United States by dollar sales as of 2023, surpassing Bud Light. This continued evolution demonstrates Corona's exceptional ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market trends while maintaining its core brand values and commitment to quality beer solutions. The brand's continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Mexican beer brands and consumer-focused alcoholic beverages.