LONDON — For the third year in a row, Corona has been crowned the world's most valuable beer brand, according to the latest Kantar BrandZ rankings released on May 13, 2026. The announcement underscores the enduring appeal of the Mexican lager amid a competitive global beverage market, with its parent company, Anheuser-Busch InBev, dominating the top spots by holding eight of the ten most valuable beer brands worldwide.
The Kantar BrandZ 2026 Most Valuable Global Brands report highlights Corona's strong performance, noting an 8.3% revenue increase outside its home market in 2025, coupled with double-digit volume growth in 30 markets. Corona Cero, the brand's non-alcoholic variant, also saw robust double-digit volume growth during the period. As part of its centennial celebrations, Corona rolled out the "Corona 100" platform, which included a multi-year sponsorship of a high-profile concert series at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. This momentum carried into the first quarter of 2026, where AB InBev reported record-high revenues and volume growth, propelled by Corona's 16% expansion outside Mexico after serving as the first global beer sponsor of the Winter Olympics.
In the rankings, Corona is closely followed by Budweiser in second place, with other AB InBev brands like Modelo, Michelob ULTRA, Brahma, Bud Light, Skol, and Stella Artois rounding out the top ten. This dominance reflects AB InBev's strategic focus on premiumization and international expansion, as the company, headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, operates in more than 40 countries with approximately 137,000 employees.
"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," said Marcel Marcondes, AB InBev's Global Chief Marketing Officer, in a statement. He added, "For AB InBev to have 8 of the top 10 beer brands in Kantar BrandZ’s 2026 rankings underscores the focus, consistency and creative effectiveness of our teams and partners around the world."
The report's methodology, now in its 21st edition, evaluates over 22,000 brands across 54 markets by blending financial data with extensive brand equity research based on interviews with 4.6 million consumers since 1998. Kantar emphasizes the role of meaningful differentiation, where brands meet consumer needs, stand out from competitors, and maintain top-of-mind status over time.
Paul Zwillenberg, CEO of Kantar, commented on Corona's success, stating, "Corona’s performance in Kantar BrandZ’s global rankings shows what strong brands achieve when they are built with discipline, over time. Brand value comes from being meaningfully different in ways people recognise, showing up consistently and staying relevant as the world changes." He noted that even with technological advancements in how consumers discover brands, core principles like clear brand positioning remain essential.
AB InBev's portfolio extends far beyond Corona, encompassing more than 400 beer brands, including global icons like Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Michelob Ultra, as well as multi-country offerings such as Beck’s, Hoegaarden, and Leffe. Local favorites like Aguila in Colombia, Antarctica in Brazil, and Quilmes in Argentina further bolster its geographic diversification, balancing exposure to developed and developing markets.
The company's brewing heritage traces back over 600 years, from the Den Hoorn brewery in Leuven, Belgium, to the Anheuser & Co. establishment in St. Louis, Missouri, in the 19th century, and the Castle Brewery in South Africa during the Johannesburg gold rush. In Brazil, Bohemia holds the distinction of being the country's first brewery. This rich history has evolved into a modern powerhouse, with 2025 reported revenues reaching $59.3 billion, excluding joint ventures and associates.
AB InBev, publicly traded on the Euronext (ABI), with secondary listings on Mexico's MEXBOL (ANB), South Africa's JSE (ANH), and American Depositary Receipts on the NYSE (BUD), positions itself as a leader in responsible consumption. The company promotes beer as a beverage for moderation and invests in marketing to encourage positive behaviors, collaborating with communities, customers, and partners on evidence-based initiatives for balanced choices.
Kantar, the world's leading marketing data and analytics firm, powers these insights through a combination of human and synthetic data, proprietary intellectual property, and an AI-native platform. Its BrandZ rankings serve as a global benchmark for assessing how brands contribute to financial performance, offering business leaders actionable intelligence on growth strategies rooted in consumer connections.
The beverage industry's brand valuations come at a time when global beer consumption faces shifting dynamics, including rising demand for low- and no-alcohol options like Corona Cero, and increased focus on sustainability and cultural relevance. AB InBev's sponsorships, such as the Winter Olympics debut and the Copacabana events, exemplify how brands are leveraging high-visibility platforms to engage younger, global audiences.
While Corona's third consecutive top ranking solidifies its position, the report also signals broader trends in the alcohol sector. Competitors outside AB InBev's fold occupy the remaining two spots in the top ten, though specifics were not detailed in the release. Industry observers point to AB InBev's scale—spanning continents and generations—as a key factor in its market leadership.
Looking ahead, AB InBev continues to innovate, aiming to "create a future with more cheers" by serving life's moments through premium products and responsible practices. The company's commitment to using the finest ingredients and building timeless brands positions it well for ongoing growth, even as economic pressures and regulatory changes influence the global beer landscape.
For media inquiries, AB InBev can be reached at media.relations@ab-inbev.com. The full Kantar BrandZ report provides deeper dives into brand equity metrics, available through Kantar's resources.
This recognition not only celebrates Corona's milestone but also highlights the evolving role of branding in a digital age, where consistency and relevance drive value. As consumers navigate an increasingly crowded market, brands like Corona that blend heritage with modern engagement are poised to lead the way forward.