Modelo passes Bud Light, still buckling from Mulvaney fiasco, as best-selling beer

Bud Light has lost its place as the best-selling beer in America in recent weeks, as the Anheuser-Busch InBev-owned brand's PR disaster over a promotion with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney continues. Taking its place is Modelo Especial, a Mexican beer imported by a Chicago company. In the four weeks that ended June 3, Modelo represented 8.4% of retail beer sales, according to data from consulting firm Bump Williams. Bud Light represented 7.3%. The Wall Street Journal first reported the news. 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. Read more: AB InBev set to accept Cannes Marketer of the Year 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.

Modelo passes Bud Light, still buckling from Mulvaney fiasco, as best-selling beer

Featured Stories