Who owns MODELO?

MODELO is owned by

Modelo beer, a prominent Mexican brand, has a rich history dating back to its inception in Mexico City, Mexico in 1925. The brewery was founded by Pablo Díez Fernández, a Spanish businessman who had recently immigrated to Mexico, along with a group of 24 other investors. Modelo quickly became one of the flagship products of their brewery, alongside the now globally renowned Corona. In 1930, the brand expanded its offerings with the introduction of Negra Modelo, a Munich Dunkel style beer.

The 1990s marked a significant turning point for Modelo. In 1994, the company went public, listing 13% of its shares on the Mexican Stock Exchange. This move allowed for greater capital influx and expansion opportunities. Shortly thereafter, Anheuser-Busch, a giant in the brewing industry, acquired a 50% non-controlling stake in Modelo. This partnership paved the way for increased international exposure and distribution.

The landscape shifted dramatically in 2013 when Grupo Modelo was acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev. However, the acquisition faced scrutiny from the US Justice Department due to anti-trust concerns. To address these issues, the rights to sell Modelo in the United States were sold to Constellation Brands. This arrangement allowed Constellation Brands to brew Modelo in Mexico, under the condition that it would only be sold in the United States, thereby preventing competition in the Mexican market.

Since Constellation Brands earned the rights to market Modelo, the brand has increased its presence throughout the United States, soon growing to be the number one imported brand. In 2023, after rival Bud Light faced a boycott for its support and subsequent vacillation of trans rights, Modelo overtook the beer to become the top selling beer of all types in the country. This marked the first time that America’s most purchased beer was an import.