Who owns Modelo in the US? The answer might surprise you. Modelo, the popular Mexican beer brand, is actually owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, one of the largest beer companies in the world. But don’t let its ownership by a global giant fool you – Modelo has managed to maintain its distinct flavor and cultural appeal that drinkers have come to love. So, how did this partnership come about, and what does it mean for beer enthusiasts? Let’s delve into the fascinating story of who owns Modelo in the US and how this collaboration has shaped the beer industry.

Table of Content
- 1 Who Owns Modelo in the US
- 1.1 The Brief History of Grupo Modelo
- 1.2 Anheuser-Busch InBev’s Acquisition
- 1.3 Constellation Brands: Taking the Helm
- 1.4 The Significance of the Deal
- 1.5 Current Ownership Structure
- 1.6 The Impact on the Beer Market
- 1.7 In Conclusion
- 1.8 No, Modelo and Bud Light are not owned by the same company in the U.S.
- 2 Frequently Asked Questions
- 2.1 Who owns Modelo in the US?
- 2.2 Did Grupo Modelo sell the rights to the Modelo brand in the US?
- 2.3 Does Anheuser-Busch InBev own any other beer brands in the US?
- 2.4 Has the ownership change affected the availability of Modelo beers in the US?
- 2.5 Are there any changes to the production or recipe of Modelo beers since the ownership change?
- 3 Final Thoughts
Who Owns Modelo in the US
If you’re a fan of Mexican beer, chances are you’ve come across Modelo. Known for its flagship beer, Corona, as well as other popular brands like Modelo Especial and Negra Modelo, this brewery has gained a loyal following in the United States. But have you ever wondered who actually owns Modelo in the US? In this article, we’ll dive into the ownership structure of Modelo and explore the key players in the beer industry.
The Brief History of Grupo Modelo
Before we delve into the current ownership of Modelo in the US, let’s take a brief look at the history of the brewery. Grupo Modelo, the company behind the iconic Mexican beer brands, was established in 1925 in Mexico City. Over the years, it grew to become one of the largest beer companies in Mexico and eventually expanded its presence internationally.
Anheuser-Busch InBev’s Acquisition
In 2013, the ownership landscape of Modelo shifted dramatically when Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the world’s largest brewer, acquired Grupo Modelo. This acquisition was a significant milestone for both companies and had wide-ranging implications for the US market. You may be interested in this: Who Is Boaz Mother?
The deal, valued at approximately $20.1 billion, resulted in AB InBev gaining full control over Grupo Modelo’s operations. As part of the agreement, AB InBev was required to sell its stake in the US beer market to address antitrust concerns. This led to the creation of Constellation Brands’ stake in Modelo’s US operations.
Constellation Brands: Taking the Helm
With AB InBev divesting its stake in the US beer market, Constellation Brands emerged as a key player in the ownership of Modelo in the US. Constellation Brands, a leading beverage company based in Victor, New York, acquired the rights to sell, market, and distribute several Modelo brands in the United States.
This strategic move allowed Constellation Brands to tap into the growing market for Mexican beer in the US. As part of the deal, Constellation Brands gained exclusive rights to import, market, and sell popular brands such as Corona, Modelo Especial, and Pacifico in the US.
The Significance of the Deal
The acquisition of Modelo’s US operations by Constellation Brands marked a significant shift in the beer industry. Here are some key points highlighting the significance of this deal:
1. Market Expansion: The deal provided Constellation Brands with a strong foothold in the fast-growing Mexican beer segment in the US. This allowed the company to diversify its portfolio and tap into a new consumer base.
2. Distribution Network: With the acquisition, Constellation Brands gained access to an extensive distribution network, enabling them to effectively reach consumers across the United States.
3. Brand Recognition: The inclusion of popular brands like Corona and Modelo Especial in Constellation Brands’ portfolio boosted their brand recognition and further solidified their position in the market.
4. Competitive Advantage: By acquiring the rights to market and distribute Modelo brands, Constellation Brands gained a competitive edge over other beer companies, particularly in the Mexican beer segment.
Current Ownership Structure
As of now, Constellation Brands continues to own and operate the US rights for popular Modelo brands. Their portfolio includes the highly recognized Corona, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo, and Pacifico.
While Constellation Brands holds the exclusive import and distribution rights for these brands, it’s important to note that production and brewing activities are still carried out mainly in Mexico by Grupo Modelo, which is now a subsidiary of AB InBev.
Other Brands Under Constellation Brands
Apart from the Modelo brands, Constellation Brands boasts an extensive portfolio of beverages, including renowned wine and spirits brands. Some notable brands under Constellation Brands include:
- Robert Mondavi Wines
- Kim Crawford Wines
- Svedka Vodka
- Casa Noble Tequila
The Impact on the Beer Market
The acquisition and subsequent ownership structure changes have had a profound impact on the beer market in the United States. Here are a few key points highlighting the influence of Modelo’s ownership:
1. Increased Competition: With Constellation Brands’ entry into the Mexican beer segment, competition in the industry intensified. This led to more options for consumers and a greater focus on innovation and marketing strategies among beer companies.
2. Market Growth: The acquisition fueled the growth of the Mexican beer market in the US, as more consumers developed a taste for these refreshing and distinctive brews. This expansion has allowed beer enthusiasts to explore a wider range of flavors and styles.
3. Market Share: The ownership change contributed to Constellation Brands’ steady growth. In recent years, the company has reported significant increases in their market share, solidifying their position as a key player in the US beer industry.
4. Consumer Preferences: The acquisition of Modelo by Constellation Brands reflected the evolving preferences of US consumers. The demand for Mexican beer has been on the rise, driven by factors such as changing demographics and a growing interest in international flavors.
In Conclusion
In the ever-evolving world of beer ownership, Modelo found a new home in the United States under the ownership of Constellation Brands. With their exclusive rights to import, market, and distribute popular brands like Corona and Modelo Especial, Constellation Brands has successfully tapped into the growing market for Mexican beer in the US.
This strategic move not only expanded Constellation Brands’ portfolio and distribution network but also had a profound impact on the beer market as a whole. Today, Modelo’s presence in the US continues to thrive under Constellation Brands’ ownership, providing beer enthusiasts with a wide range of refreshing and enjoyable Mexican brews.
No, Modelo and Bud Light are not owned by the same company in the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Modelo in the US?
Grupo Modelo, a Mexican brewery founded in 1925, is the original owner of the Modelo brand. However, since 2013, Modelo has been owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, a multinational brewing company based in Belgium.
Did Grupo Modelo sell the rights to the Modelo brand in the US?
Yes, Grupo Modelo sold the rights to the Modelo brand in the US to Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2013. As a result, Anheuser-Busch InBev became the exclusive importer and marketer of the Modelo beers in the United States.
Does Anheuser-Busch InBev own any other beer brands in the US?
Yes, Anheuser-Busch InBev owns several other beer brands in the US. Some of the well-known brands in its portfolio include Budweiser, Stella Artois, Corona, Beck’s, and Michelob.
Has the ownership change affected the availability of Modelo beers in the US?
No, the ownership change has not affected the availability of Modelo beers in the US. In fact, under the ownership of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the distribution and availability of Modelo beers have expanded, making them even more widely accessible to consumers.
Are there any changes to the production or recipe of Modelo beers since the ownership change?
No, there have been no reported changes to the production or recipe of Modelo beers since the ownership change. The brewing process and ingredients used to make Modelo beers remain consistent, ensuring the same great taste that consumers are familiar with.
Final Thoughts
In the United States, Anheuser-Busch InBev owns Modelo, the popular Mexican beer brand. Anheuser-Busch InBev is a multinational brewing company based in Belgium, and it acquired Grupo Modelo, which owns the Modelo brand, in 2013. This acquisition expanded Anheuser-Busch InBev’s presence in the American beer market, allowing it to offer a diverse range of beer options to consumers. So, when it comes to who owns Modelo in the US, it is Anheuser-Busch InBev.