About Corona
Corona is a globally recognized Mexican beer brand best known for its light, crisp taste, clear glass bottles, and the tradition of serving it with a wedge of lime. Introduced in 1925, Corona has grown from a domestic Mexican lager into one of the world’s most valuable and widely distributed beer brands. Today, it is sold in more than 180 countries and is especially popular in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. 1
Overview
- Brand Name: Corona
- Product Type: Beer (Pale Lager)
- Country of Origin: Mexico
- Founded: 1925
- Manufacturer: Grupo Modelo (owned by AB InBev)
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4.5% (Corona Extra)
- Headquarters: Mexico City, Mexico
- Available In: 180+ countries
- Signature Serving Style: Chilled with a lime wedge inserted into the bottle neck. 2
History
Corona was first brewed in 1925 by Cervecería Modelo in Mexico City. The beer quickly gained popularity thanks to its refreshing flavor and premium positioning. By 1935, only ten years after its launch, Corona had become the best-selling beer in Mexico. 3
The brand began exporting to the United States in the 1970s, where it found success among travelers who had discovered the beer while vacationing in Mexico. In 1979, Corona Extra officially entered the U.S. market and soon became associated with beaches, summer, and outdoor relaxation. 4
Over the following decades, Corona expanded worldwide and became the best-selling imported beer in the United States, helping establish Mexican beer as a major global category. 5
Ownership
Corona is produced by Grupo Modelo, one of Mexico’s largest breweries. Grupo Modelo became part of AB InBev, the world’s largest brewing company, in 2013.
In the United States and Guam, Corona is imported and marketed exclusively by Constellation Brands under a long-term licensing agreement. 6
Products
Corona has expanded beyond its flagship lager into several product lines, including:
- Corona Extra – The original and most popular pale lager.
- Corona Light – Lower-calorie version introduced in 1989.
- Corona Premier – Lower-carb premium lager.
- Corona Cero – Alcohol-free beer.
- Corona Sunbrew – Citrus-flavored beer with vitamin D in some markets.
- Regional products such as flavored beverages and ready-to-drink options. 7
Brewing
Corona is brewed using:
- Water
- Malted barley
- Corn
- Hops
- Yeast
The use of corn contributes to its light body and smooth taste, making it highly approachable and refreshing. 8
Brand Identity
Corona has built one of the strongest lifestyle identities in the beer industry. Rather than emphasizing brewing tradition alone, its marketing centers on:
- Beaches
- Sunshine
- Relaxation
- Nature
- Escape from everyday life
- Outdoor experiences
Its advertising often features ocean views, golden sunsets, and the slogan encouraging people to enjoy life’s simple moments outdoors. 9
The Lime Tradition
One of Corona’s most recognizable characteristics is being served with a lime wedge inserted into the bottle.
Although the exact origin is debated, the practice became a signature serving ritual that enhances citrus aroma and refreshment while helping distinguish the brand from competitors. It has become part of Corona’s global identity. 10
Marketing
Corona is considered one of the world’s most successful lifestyle brands. Its campaigns consistently focus on:
- Simplicity
- Natural beauty
- Beach culture
- Friendship
- Relaxation
- Sustainability
Unlike many beer brands that emphasize sports or nightlife, Corona positions itself around outdoor living and reconnecting with nature. 11
Sponsorships
Corona sponsors numerous international events, including:
- Beach sports
- Music festivals
- Surfing competitions
- Environmental initiatives
Its alcohol-free variant, Corona Cero, became the first beer brand to serve as a global Olympic sponsor through AB InBev. 12
Global Popularity
Corona is:
- One of the world’s best-selling premium beers.
- The best-selling imported beer in the United States.
- Distributed in more than 180 countries.
- Frequently ranked among the world’s most valuable beer brands. 13
Sustainability
Corona has increasingly emphasized environmental initiatives, including:
- Reducing plastic waste
- Promoting beach cleanups
- Supporting ocean conservation
- Expanding recyclable packaging
- Encouraging responsible enjoyment of nature
These efforts align with the brand’s image of protecting the natural environments featured in its marketing. 14
Cultural Impact
Corona has become a cultural icon, especially in beach and vacation settings. Its distinctive clear bottle, minimalist label, and lime ritual make it one of the most recognizable beer brands worldwide. The brand has also appeared in films, television, and popular culture as a symbol of relaxation and coastal living. 15
Interesting Facts
- Founded in 1925 in Mexico City.
- Became Mexico’s best-selling beer within 10 years of launch.
- Sold in more than 180 countries.
- Famous for being served with a lime wedge.
- Corona Extra contains approximately 148 calories and 4.5% ABV per 12 oz serving.
- The clear bottle and beach-themed branding are among the most recognizable visual identities in the global beer market. 16
References
- Corona (beer)
- Historia – Cerveza Corona
- Products – Corona Beaches | Corona
- Origin Heritage & History | Corona® Beer USA
- Corona – Constellation Brands Corporate Website
- What beer brand do you think has exceptional branding—and why?
- Olympics brings on its first beer brand as a global sponsor – Budweiser’s AB InBev
- Corona cumple un siglo: la cerveza mexicana que conquistó al mundo
- Is This Why There’s No Corona in Fate of the Furious?
- Corona, the world’s most valuable beer brand, announces Its 100-year anniversary with global celebration | AB InBev
- Press release: Corona® is the Official Cerveza of the Seattle Mariners
- Corporativo – NUESTRA HISTORIA
- Origin Heritage & History | Corona® Beer USA
- Corona Heritage
- Budweiser APAC
- Budweiser APAC





