The Crown Stays Put: Corona Leads AB InBev’s Global Portfolio

Corona has secured its position as the world’s most valuable beer brand for the third consecutive year, according to the 2026 Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands report. The Mexican-born lager led a dominant showing for parent company Anheuser-Busch InBev, which now controls eight of the top ten spots in the global beer rankings. This year’s valuation highlights a significant period for the brand, coinciding with its 100th anniversary and an aggressive push into international markets.

The ranking is based on a mix of financial performance and consumer sentiment across 54 markets. Outside of its home turf in Mexico, Corona saw an 8.3% revenue increase in 2025, with double-digit volume growth in 30 different countries. AB InBev’s portfolio dominance is rounded out by Budweiser in the number two spot, followed by other heavyweights like Modelo, Michelob ULTRA, and Bud Light. While the industry often hides behind “consumer-centricity” jargon, the data suggests a simpler reality: people are buying more expensive beer more often.

Strategic expansions played a major role in keeping the lime-friendly brand at the top. The company recently launched “Corona Cero”—a non-alcoholic version—which reported a staggering 440% volume growth following its debut as the first-ever beer sponsor for the Olympic Games. By positioning a non-alcoholic product as the face of global sports through the Paris 2024 and 2026 Winter cycles, the brand managed to bypass traditional advertising hurdles while maintaining its premium price point.

This regional success reinforces a pattern we’ve noted previously: Latin America continues to carry the weight for AB InBev as traditional strongholds like the United States and China show signs of fatigue. While North American volumes dipped earlier this year, the “Middle Americas” region—anchored by a relentless Mexican market—has provided the necessary ballast for the company’s balance sheet. By leaning into this geographical enthusiasm, the brewer is effectively using the high-margin success of brands like Corona to offset the lethargy of more mature markets.

Despite the corporate self-congratulation, the figures underscore a broader trend of “premiumization” in the beverage industry. Consumers are increasingly opting for established “megabrands” even as inflation affects broader spending habits. For AB InBev, the result is an all-time high in revenue for early 2026, proving that as long as the branding remains consistent, the world is more than happy to keep paying a premium for a slice of “paradise” in a clear glass bottle.