AB InBev Dominates Top Beer Rankings
Corona has been named the most valuable beer brand in the world for the third consecutive year, according to the Kantar BrandZ 2026 rankings released on 14th May.
The report highlights that eight of the top ten global beer brands are owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, including Budweiser, Modelo, Michelob ULTRA, Brahma, Bud Light, Skol, and Stella Artois, alongside the leading Corona.
In 2025, Corona boosted AB InBev's performance with an 8.3 per cent revenue increase outside its home market, driven by double-digit volume growth in 30 markets and the success of Corona Cero.
Global Expansion and Sponsorships
Marking its 100th anniversary, Corona launched the 'Corona 100' platform, including a multi-year sponsorship of a major concert at Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro. The brand also gained traction as the first global beer sponsor of The Winter Olympics, leading to a 16 per cent growth outside its home market in early 2026.
AB InBev delivered all-time high revenues and volume growth in the first quarter of 2026, led by Corona's performance. This success is attributed to strategic branding and global outreach efforts.
"Corona’s recognition as the most valuable beer brand in the world for three consecutive years reflects our approach to building brands for long-term, sustainable growth," stated Marcel Marcondes, Global Chief Marketing Officer of AB InBev.
Kantar BrandZ evaluates brand value by combining financial data with brand equity research. This year marks the 21st edition of the rankings, assessing over 22,000 brands across 54 markets globally. The rankings underscore the importance of brand differentiation and meaningful consumer engagement.
Paul Zwillenberg, CEO of Kantar, noted that “Corona’s performance in Kantar BrandZ’s global rankings shows what strong brands achieve when they are built with discipline, over time.” This statement highlights the strategic efforts required to maintain brand value.
AB InBev's dominance in the beer category is a testament to its effective brand management and innovative marketing strategies. The company continues to lead the market with a diverse portfolio of top-tier beer brands.
