Who Owns Modelo?

Grupo Modelo was founded in 1925 in Mexico City by a group of Mexican businessmen who established Cerveceria Modelo as a modern brewery. The company's first beer, Modelo Especial, was introduced as a pilsner-style lager brewed to be a premium Mexican beer. The name "Modelo" means "model" in Spanish, reflecting the founders' ambition to create a model brewery producing the finest Mexican beer.

Grupo Modelo grew steadily throughout the 20th century, becoming Mexico's largest brewer. The company's portfolio expanded to include Corona Extra, Negra Modelo, Pacifico, and Victoria, among others. Modelo Especial, with its distinctive gold can and label, was positioned as a premium beer in the Mexican market.

Modelo's growth in the United States began gradually, with the brand building a loyal following among Mexican-American communities and consumers who appreciated its smooth, slightly sweet flavor profile. Unlike Corona, which was marketed as a beach lifestyle brand, Modelo was positioned around themes of hard work, ambition, and the "fighting spirit," resonating strongly with Hispanic consumers and increasingly with a broader American audience.

The pivotal moment in Modelo's U.S. history came in 2023. Following the Bud Light controversy in April 2023 (related to a marketing partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney that alienated many of Bud Light's core consumers), Modelo Especial overtook Bud Light to become the best-selling beer in the United States by dollar sales in June 2023. This was a historic shift, as Bud Light had held the top position for over two decades.

Modelo has maintained its number-one position through 2025, driven by continued strong demand among both Hispanic and non-Hispanic consumers. The brand's growth has been one of the most remarkable stories in American consumer products, transforming Constellation Brands into one of the most successful beverage companies in the country.

Under Constellation Brands' stewardship, Modelo has expanded its U.S. product range to include Modelo Especial (the flagship), Modelo Negra (a dark lager), Modelo Oro (a light beer), and Modelo Chelada (a beer-and-tomato juice blend). Each variant targets different consumer occasions and preferences.