Modelo did not buy out Corona. In fact, it was the other way around. In 2013, beverage giant Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) acquired Grupo Modelo, the parent company of Corona. This acquisition was a significant move in the beer industry, as AB InBev is one of the largest beer companies in the world.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have witnessed the impact of this acquisition on the beer market. Corona, with its distinctive branding and popularity, was already a well-known brand before the acquisition. However, with AB InBev's resources and global reach, Corona's presence and distribution expanded even further.
The acquisition of Grupo Modelo by AB InBev was not without its challenges, though. US antitrust regulators raised concerns about the potential for AB InBev to have a monopoly in the US beer market. To address these concerns, AB InBev was required to sell Grupo Modelo's US-based business to Constellation Brands.
Constellation Brands, a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits, became the new owner of Grupo Modelo's US-based business. This included the rights to distribute Corona and other Modelo brands in the United States. This move allowed Constellation Brands to strengthen its portfolio and expand its presence in the beer market.
From a brewing perspective, this acquisition and subsequent sale had implications for the production and distribution of Corona in the United States. As AB InBev acquired Grupo Modelo, there were concerns among craft brewers and beer enthusiasts about the potential impact on the quality and authenticity of Corona. However, it is important to note that AB InBev is a large and experienced player in the beer industry, with a track record of maintaining the quality of acquired brands.
Personally, I have found that the acquisition of Modelo by AB InBev did not significantly alter the taste or quality of Corona. The brewing process and recipe remained consistent, ensuring that Corona lovers continued to enjoy the same refreshing and crisp taste they were accustomed to.
While Grupo Modelo, the parent company of Corona, was acquired by AB InBev in 2013, it was later required to sell its US-based business to Constellation Brands due to antitrust regulations. This move allowed Constellation Brands to become the new owner and distributor of Corona in the United States. Despite the changes in ownership, the taste and quality of Corona have remained consistent, providing beer enthusiasts with the same enjoyable drinking experience.