Corona Extra remains the world’s most valuable beer brand but both Budweiser and Bud Light have experienced a drop in value, new research shows.
The 50 most valuable beer brands globally are collectively worth USD118.8 billion (£90 billion) in 2026, according to the annual report on the most valuable and strongest alcoholic drinks brands from Brand Finance.
Corona Extra retained its position as the world’s most valuable beer brand with its brand value up 4% to USD13.9 billion. Heineken came in second, with its brand value up 7% to USD13.8 billion while Modelo Especial strengthened its position in the global top five, with its brand value up 14% to USD8 billion, moving it ahead of Budweiser.
The performance reinforces the growing importance of Mexican beer brands in the global ranking, with Corona Extra and Modelo Especial both among the world’s four most valuable beer brands.
The data hows that growth is increasingly coming from outside the US, with beer brands across Latin America, Asia and Europe gaining value while several established US lagers come under pressure.
Brahma is the fastest-growing beer brand in the ranking, with its brand value rising 65% to USD1.9 billion, climbing six places to 19th. The Brazilian brand benefits from stronger pricing, premiumisation and sustained brand investment in a market where beer brands continue to benefit from mainstream relevance and celebratory drinking occasions.
Elsewhere, Chang is the second-fastest-growing beer brand in the ranking, up 50% to USD1.4 billion and climbing to 25th.
In China, the world’s largest beer market, Tsingtao is up 30% to USD4.7 billion and moves from ninth to sixth, while Snow is up 13% to USD5.3 billion.
This growth story is not limited to emerging markets as European brands including Desperados, Amstel, Guinness, Tuborg and Peroni were also among the top 10 fastest growers, showing that beer brand value growth is being recorded across several markets outside the US.
However, US heritage lagers have moved in the opposite direction with Budweiser losing 35% of its brand value, ranking fourth with USD7.7 billion, while Bud Light is down 19% to USD4.7 billion and falls from fifth to eighth in 2026.
Henry Farr, global sector head of alcoholic drinks, Brand Finance, commented: “The geography of beer brand growth is shifting. This year’s ranking shows a clear contrast between gains across Latin America, Asia, and Europe and the decline of several traditional American lagers.
“Brahma and Chang demonstrate the momentum of brands in emerging markets, while Guinness and Desperados show that established markets can still deliver strong brand value growth when brands remain distinctive and relevant.
“Meanwhile, Budweiser, Bud Light, and Busch highlight the challenges facing traditional US beer brands as consumer preferences continue to evolve.”
