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

Nine pharma companies ink deals with Trump to lower drug prices

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event in the Roosevelt Room of the White House December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump delivered remarks on lowering prescription drug prices…

How Build-A-Bear went from a penny stock to a retail winner

Build-A-Bear Workshop wasn’t always a retail winner. The toy store, known for its interactive experience of building and accessorizing stuffed animals, has gone through a significant turnaround since CEO Sharon…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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

You Missed

Nearly 700 pages of Jeffrey Epstein documents released by US Justice Department are redacted | World News

  • By admin
  • December 21, 2025
  • 0 views
Nearly 700 pages of Jeffrey Epstein documents released by US Justice Department are redacted | World News

ODI world champs India women back to play Sri Lanka T20Is

  • By admin
  • December 21, 2025
  • 0 views
ODI world champs India women back to play Sri Lanka T20Is

Bowen Yang to depart SNL mid-season, last episode with buddy Ariana Grande

  • By admin
  • December 21, 2025
  • 0 views
Bowen Yang to depart SNL mid-season, last episode with buddy Ariana Grande

Akshaye Khanna’s father Vinod Khanna was Osho’s gardener in the ashram: ‘He lived in a 4×6 room’ | Bollywood News

  • By admin
  • December 21, 2025
  • 0 views
Akshaye Khanna’s father Vinod Khanna was Osho’s gardener in the ashram: ‘He lived in a 4×6 room’ | Bollywood News

Why wired headphones are quietly making sense again | Technology News

  • By admin
  • December 21, 2025
  • 0 views
Why wired headphones are quietly making sense again | Technology News

Nine pharma companies ink deals with Trump to lower drug prices

  • By admin
  • December 21, 2025
  • 3 views
Nine pharma companies ink deals with Trump to lower drug prices