Bud Light still remains the best-selling beer brand year-to-date—with 9% of beer sales versus Modelo's 8%. However, if trends continue at their current pace, Modelo could become the best-selling U.S. beer this year, said Dave Williams, VP of analytics and insights at Bump Williams Consulting.
Modelo is sold in the U.S. by Constellation Brands. The company’s beer division is based in Chicago. AB InBev controls Modelo outside of the U.S.
Bud Light’s sales have been declining since April, when the brand came under fire for sending Mulvaney a can with her face on it. A months-long boycott has ensued since. Other beer companies, such as Chicago-based Molson Coors, have also seen a sales bump.
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A statement from Modelo said that the beer has been on a growth path since Constellation acquired the rights to sell the brand in the U.S. in 2013. Modelo Especial has been the No. 1 driver.
“We continue to see runway for growth as we introduce Modelo to new customers through increased distribution,” the statement said.