Corona Global Retains Title as Most Valuable Beer Brand in Kantar BrandZ Rankings for Second Year Running
In a major reaffirmation of its global appeal and brand strength, Corona has once again been named the most valuable beer brand in the world, according to the Kantar BrandZ 2025 Most Valuable Global Brands report. This marks the second consecutive year that Corona has secured the top position, highlighting its enduring resonance with consumers worldwide and its exceptional brand-building strategy.
The report, which was released today, evaluates and ranks the top global brands across various industries based on a combination of consumer perception data and financial performance. For the beer category, eight out of the top ten most valuable global beer brands are owned by AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer, traded on multiple global exchanges including Brussels (ABI), Mexico City (BMV: ANB), Johannesburg (JSE: ANH), and New York (NYSE: BUD).
AB InBev’s Dominance in the Global Beer Market
AB InBev’s stronghold on the global beer market is undeniable. The company’s strategic investment in brand equity, innovation, and marketing excellence has helped it secure the majority of the top global beer brand rankings in the 2025 Kantar BrandZ report. These include not only Corona at the top, but also Budweiser, which holds the second position, and Michelob ULTRA, which climbed one spot to rank fifth among beer brands globally.
The brewer had an exceptional financial year in 2024, achieving record-high revenues and a 15% increase in Underlying Earnings Per Share (EPS). These financial accomplishments underscore AB InBev’s ability to translate brand strength into tangible shareholder value.
Corona’s Global Growth and Centennial Celebration
A significant contributor to AB InBev’s success in 2024 was the continued international expansion of the Corona brand. Originally from Mexico, Corona posted double-digit growth in markets outside its home country, a clear indication of its robust global demand and appeal. In particular, its non-alcoholic variant, Corona Cero, experienced triple-digit growth, fueled by the growing consumer preference for mindful drinking options and alcohol-free alternatives.
One of the year’s most notable milestones for Corona Cero was its historic partnership with the Olympic Games. As the first beer brand to sponsor the Olympics, Corona Cero made its debut on the world’s biggest sporting stage during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a move that significantly boosted brand visibility and consumer engagement.
Adding to the brand’s momentum, 2025 marks a historic year for Corona as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. The centennial is being honored with a global initiative titled “Corona 100,” featuring a series of celebratory events, campaigns, and collaborations in key markets around the world. The platform not only commemorates the brand’s rich heritage but also reinforces its relevance and connection with modern consumers.
Michelob ULTRA: U.S. Market Leader and Award-Winner
While Corona led on the global stage, Michelob ULTRA made headlines in the U.S. market. Known for its low-calorie, active lifestyle positioning, Michelob ULTRA was named the winner of the Kantar Brand Growth Award in the United States. This prestigious recognition is awarded to the brand that records the greatest year-over-year increase in brand value, based on a combination of consumer affinity and business performance.
The award highlights Michelob ULTRA’s ability to deliver relevance, trust, and measurable business results, underpinned by a clear and consistent brand strategy. As wellness and fitness trends continue to shape beverage preferences, Michelob ULTRA has capitalized on this shift with targeted marketing and product innovations that resonate with health-conscious consumers.
According to Marcel Marcondes, Global Chief Marketing Officer at AB InBev, both Corona and Michelob ULTRA’s successes are the result of long-term brand-building efforts focused on consumer-centricity, consistency, and marketing effectiveness.
“For Corona to be recognized as the most valuable beer brand in the world in the same year the brand is celebrating its 100-year anniversary shows the power of building brands for the long-term,” Marcondes said. “And as the fastest growing beer brand in the U.S., Michelob ULTRA was recognized with the Kantar Brand Growth Award. Having eight out of the top ten beer brands in Kantar’s BrandZ rankings reflects our focus on growing our megabrands through consumer-centricity, consistency and effectiveness.”
Kantar BrandZ: A Benchmark for Brand Success
The Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands report is now in its 20th year, and it has evolved into a trusted and influential resource for understanding how brands drive value in today’s fast-moving global marketplace. The report ranks the world’s leading brands across multiple sectors and geographies using a unique methodology that blends consumer insights with rigorous financial analysis.
This year’s edition emphasizes that brands are more than just marketing vehicles—they are corporate assets capable of generating sustainable business growth. The report serves as a barometer for shifting consumer preferences and highlights the brands that have been most successful at adapting to change.
Chris Jansen, CEO of Kantar, commended AB InBev’s branding strategy and execution, using the company as an example of how deliberate brand investments yield impressive returns.
“With the right level of investment and strategic focus, brands have huge potential to drive growth for their owners,” Jansen noted. “Anheuser-Busch InBev is a perfect example of this in action – through Corona and their other brands, they have mastered the ability to cut through in the face of changing consumer behaviour. Congratulations to all their teams.”
The Road Ahead for AB InBev
As AB InBev looks toward the future, the company is well-positioned to build on its momentum. With a diverse portfolio of global beer brands, including Stella Artois, Bud Light, Brahma, and Skol, the brewing giant continues to refine its approach to marketing, innovation, and sustainability.
Moreover, initiatives like Corona Cero’s Olympic partnership, Michelob ULTRA’s fitness-forward branding, and the 100-year celebration of Corona demonstrate the brewer’s ability to tap into cultural moments and stay aligned with evolving consumer expectations.
With eight out of ten of the world’s most valuable beer brands under its umbrella, AB InBev is not only leading the industry in sales and volume—but also in brand equity and global recognition. The 2025 Kantar BrandZ report stands as a testament to the brewer’s exceptional execution and enduring influence in the global beverage landscape.
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