Michelob Ultra overtakes Modelo Especial as best-selling U.S. beer


Packages of Michelob Ultra are displayed at a BevMo store on December 16, 2024 in Larkspur, California.

Justin Sullivan | Getty Images

Michelob Ultra has overtaken Constellation Brands‘ Modelo Especial as the best-selling beer in the United States.

Michelob Ultra claimed the top spot as the best-selling beer in retail channels in the 52 weeks ended Sept. 14, parent company Anheuser-Busch announced Mondayciting data from Circana. The light lager is also the top seller in bars and restaurants, according to Nielsen IQ data for the 52 weeks ended July 12.

For brewer AB InBev, Michelob Ultra’s triumph reverses the company’s struggles from two years ago. Modelo Especial unseated Bud Light in the wake of conservative backlash over the flagship beer’s partnership with transgender social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Bud Light had previously held the title as the top-selling beer in the U.S. for more than two decades.

Modelo’s declining popularity comes as Constellation faces key challenges to its business, including tariffs on aluminum and Mexican imports and weaker demand from Hispanic consumers.

Historically, Hispanic beer drinkers have accounted for roughly half of Constellation’s customer base, although growing demand from non-Hispanic consumers helped fuel Modelo’s rise. Executives have said that President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and related job losses have weighed on Hispanic consumers’ spending.

Earlier this month, Constellation cut its forecast for the fiscal year, citing a “challenging” economy. The company expects net beer sales will fall 2% to 4% due to lower volumes and additional tariff impacts. It previously anticipated sales would range from flat to up 3%.

So far this year, AB InBev’s stock has climbed more than 16%, while shares of Constellation have tumbled 39%.


Related Posts

Automakers mainly skip 2026 Super Bowl advertising

Volkswagen is one of three automakers expected to advertise during the Super Bowl in 2026. Courtesy VW DETROIT — Automakers are largely sitting on the advertising sidelines during this year’s…

Automaker is stronger together amid $26 billion reset

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa speaks during an event in Turin, Italy, Nov. 25, 2025. Daniele Mascolo | Reuters DETROIT — Stellar CEO Antonio Filosa on Friday said the automaker plans…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You Missed

Surya’s brilliance gives jittery India a win over USA

  • By admin
  • February 8, 2026
  • 0 views
Surya’s brilliance gives jittery India a win over USA

China’s central bank continues gold purchases for 15th consecutive month amid market volatility

  • By admin
  • February 8, 2026
  • 2 views
China’s central bank continues gold purchases for 15th consecutive month amid market volatility

Automakers mainly skip 2026 Super Bowl advertising

  • By admin
  • February 8, 2026
  • 1 views
Automakers mainly skip 2026 Super Bowl advertising

Freeski star Gu says injuries hit confidence as she targets Olympic treble

  • By admin
  • February 8, 2026
  • 1 views
Freeski star Gu says injuries hit confidence as she targets Olympic treble

Rajpal Yadav sent to Tihar Jail over ₹9 crore debt: Here’s the timeline of what happened

  • By admin
  • February 8, 2026
  • 1 views
Rajpal Yadav sent to Tihar Jail over ₹9 crore debt: Here’s the timeline of what happened

Naseeruddin Shah says ‘only failures come back to teach’ at NSD: ‘I consider it my responsibility to help these kids’ | Bollywood News

  • By admin
  • February 8, 2026
  • 2 views
Naseeruddin Shah says ‘only failures come back to teach’ at NSD: ‘I consider it my responsibility to help these kids’ | Bollywood News