AB InBev Secures Unprecedented 8 of Top 10 Spots in Kantar BrandZ 2026 Beer Rankings
In a testament to brand power and strategy, AB InBev now owns 8 of the top 10 most valuable beer brands globally, according to the newly released Kantar BrandZ 2026 Most Valuable Global Brands report. Corona, one of AB InBev's crown jewels, clinches the top position for the third year running, reflecting a clear trend in enduring global consumer appeal.
Corona Leads Growth, Setting New Records in Revenue and Volume
2025 was a breakout year for Corona, which celebrated its centenary with an array of high-profile global campaigns—including a multi-year sponsorship at Copacabana Beach and headlining as the world's first global beer sponsor of The Winter Olympics. The results show in the numbers: Corona increased revenue by 8.3% outside its home market and delivered double-digit volume growth across 30 markets. Corona Cero (the alcohol-free variant) also posted strong double-digit growth, underlining the shift toward balanced drinking options.
Q1 2026 Momentum: All-Time Highs in Revenue and Volume
The momentum didn’t slow in Q1 2026. Led by Corona, AB InBev posted all-time high revenues and volume numbers. Specifically, Corona’s volume outside its home market surged 16% after its visibility ramped up during the Winter Olympics sponsorship. This wave of international performance cements the brand's reputation as a leader in global beer.
Kantar BrandZ: Benchmarking Brand Value and Market Reach
Kantar BrandZ assesses value by blending financial performance with deep brand equity research, covering over 22,000 brands across 54 markets. For 2026, Budweiser ranked second, providing further validation of AB InBev’s outreach, followed by brands like Modelo, Michelob ULTRA, Brahma, Bud Light, Skol, and Stella Artois—all within AB InBev’s portfolio.
| Ranking | Brand | Parent Company |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corona | AB InBev |
| 2 | Budweiser | AB InBev |
| 3 | Modelo | AB InBev |
| 4 | Michelob ULTRA | AB InBev |
| 5 | Brahma | AB InBev |
| 6 | Bud Light | AB InBev |
| 7 | Skol | AB InBev |
| 8 | Stella Artois | AB InBev |
| 9 | Brand 9 | Other |
| 10 | Brand 10 | Other |
Building Meaningful Difference Drives Brand Value
According to Kantar BrandZ CEO Paul Zwillenberg, Corona's enduring top rank demonstrates the pivotal value of being “meaningfully different” and consistently relevant in a fast-evolving landscape. Corona’s ability to remain top-of-mind, meet evolving consumer demands, and visibly align with consumer lifestyles has become key to its sustained brand value.
Broader Takeaway: Long-Term Strategy and Consistent Execution Win the Global Beer Race
AB InBev’s performance in the 2026 BrandZ rankings offers investors and industry observers a masterclass in building and sustaining global brands. With historic financial results in 2025—a reported $59.3 billion in revenue—combined with creative campaigns and new market penetration, AB InBev’s portfolio strategy appears to pay lasting dividends, securing the company’s market leadership.
While the story isn’t about a single-year spike, the real headline is discipline and longevity. For companies and investors alike, AB InBev’s showing in Kantar’s BrandZ 2026 report underscores the value of building global brands that endure and adapt—no matter the trend or economic climate.
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