Michelob Ultra Surpasses Modelo Especial as Best-Selling Beer in the US

Michelob Ultra is a pioneering American beer brand introduced by Anheuser-Busch in 2002, designed to cater to health-conscious consumers seeking a light, low-calorie beer option. Positioned as a premium light lager with 95 calories, 2.6 carbs, and 4.2% alcohol by volume, it appeals to an active, balanced lifestyle that combines fitness with social enjoyment[2][7]. The beer is brewed using high-quality ingredients such as barley malt, rice, hops, and a pure yeast strain, reflecting Anheuser-Busch’s commitment to quality brewing[2]. The brand’s origin traces back to a strategic initiative led by August Busch III in the early 2000s, who envisioned a beer suitable for older adults mindful of carbohydrate intake, inspired by trends like the Atkins diet[1]. Despite this initial target, Michelob Ultra quickly gained popularity among younger demographics, especially women aged 21 to 27, due to its refreshing taste and effective marketing campaigns[1]. Its rapid growth marked it as the fastest-growing product in Anheuser-Busch’s history, selling 2.5 million barrels in its first full year[1]. Michelob Ultra’s success has been significant in reshaping the American beer market. As of September 2025, it became the best-selling beer in the United States, surpassing competitors like Modelo Especial and Bud Light, benefiting from Anheuser-Busch InBev’s global distribution network and marketing resources[3][4]. Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewing company headquartered in Belgium, owns Michelob Ultra, which is part of a diverse portfolio of popular beer brands[4]. Notable aspects of Michelob Ultra include its role as a trailblazer in the low-carb beer segment and its ability to capture new consumer segments beyond the traditional beer audience. It exemplifies the intersection of lifestyle branding and product innovation in the beverage industry, highlighting ho

## Overview Modelo Especial is not an organization, but a leading Mexican beer brand produced by Grupo Modelo, a major brewery headquartered in Mexico City[1][4]. Grupo Modelo, founded in 1925, is now a subsidiary of the global beverage giant Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev)[1][4]. Modelo Especial is one of Grupo Modelo’s flagship products, acclaimed for its crisp, well-balanced flavor and distinctive clear bottle with a gold cap[2][5]. The brand is a staple of Mexican brewing tradition and has become a symbol of cultural pride, both domestically and internationally. ## History and Development Modelo Especial was first brewed in October 1925 in Tacuba, a district of Mexico City, inspired by the techniques of German brewmasters[2][5]. Originally crafted as a premium lager, it quickly gained popularity for its consistent quality and refreshing taste. In 1935, Modelo Especial became part of Grupo Modelo, which accelerated its production and distribution across Mexico[3]. The brand’s iconic packaging—featuring standing lions reminiscent of Mexico City’s coat of arms—underscores its deep roots in Mexican heritage[5]. ## Key Achievements and Growth Modelo Especial’s journey from a local favorite to a global phenomenon is marked by strategic expansion. After dominating the Mexican market, Grupo Modelo began exporting Modelo Especial to the United States in the late 20th century, where it resonated strongly with Hispanic communities and, increasingly, a broader audience[3]. In May 2023, Modelo Especial achieved a historic milestone by surpassing Bud Light to become the top-selling beer in the United States by retail dollar sales[4][6]. This ascent was driven by shifting consumer preferences toward imported and craft-style beers, as well as effective marketing that emphasized authenticity and heritage[6]. Modelo Especial recently crossed the 200

**Bud Light** is a flagship light lager beer brand introduced in 1982 by Anheuser-Busch, one of America’s largest and most historic brewing companies. It emerged as a response to the rising popularity of light beers, particularly Miller Lite, which had significantly reshaped the U.S. beer market since its 1975 debut. Bud Light quickly gained traction and became a dominant player in the light beer segment, appealing to consumers seeking a lower-calorie alternative without sacrificing the traditional lager flavor[3][6]. The origins of Bud Light are deeply tied to the legacy of Anheuser-Busch, a company founded in the mid-19th century by German immigrants, including Adolphus Busch. In 1876, Busch first brewed Budweiser in St. Louis, Missouri, inspired by the Bohemian lager style from his homeland. Budweiser was branded as “The King of Beers,” a title that underpinned its premium market positioning and iconic crown logo. Bud Light, as a lighter variant, extended the company’s reach into new consumer demographics while maintaining the heritage of quality and brewing expertise[1][2]. Bud Light’s success is underscored by its rapid nationwide rollout in 1982, debuting in 40 states. It played a crucial role in solidifying Anheuser-Busch’s market leadership during the competitive era known as the “light beer arms race,” where top breweries vied for dominance in this growing segment. The brand remains one of the best-selling beers in the United States, a testament to its widespread consumer appeal and effective marketing[3][4]. Currently, Bud Light continues to innovate within the beer industry, adapting to changing tastes and expanding its portfolio. It is part of a broader suite of Anheuser-Busch brands that includes several variations and seasonal releases. The company’s enduring emphasis on heritage, quality, and consumer trends positions Bud Light as a staple in American beer culture an

**CNBC: A Leader in Business News** CNBC, the Consumer News and Business Channel, is a premier global business news organization that has been a cornerstone of financial and business journalism for over three decades. Founded on April 17, 1989, CNBC's roots trace back to the Satellite Program Network (SPN), which later became Tempo Television before its relaunch under NBC's guidance[1][2]. Initially, it faced challenges gaining cable carriage due to competition from the Financial News Network (FNN), but following FNN's bankruptcy in 1991, CNBC acquired its operations and expanded its reach significantly[1]. **Key Achievements and Current Status** CNBC has grown exponentially, offering 23 hours of live programming daily across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. It operates a 24/7 digital platform, direct-to-consumer products, and a vibrant events business. Today, CNBC is the world's leading business news media company, reaching over 450 million consumers monthly[4]. It has been recognized for award-winning journalism and has been the first network to broadcast from the New York Stock Exchange floor. **Notable Aspects** - **Diverse Programming**: CNBC offers a wide range of programming, from business news to entertainment-focused shows like "Shark Tank" and "American Greed" through its CNBC Prime block[5]. - **Global Bureaus**: With more than 20 bureaus worldwide, CNBC provides comprehensive coverage of global business trends. - **Innovative Digital Presence**: CNBC's digital operations are robust, offering real-time news and analysis through its website and mobile apps. As CNBC continues to evolve, it remains committed to its founding promise of making business news accessible and relevant to a broad audience[4]. Its legacy as a leader in business journalism has been cemented through its dedication to quality reporting and innovative storytelling.

The organization named **Corona** primarily refers to the **City of Corona's Information Technology Department** in Corona, California. This department is responsible for providing comprehensive technological support to all city departments, including computer systems, web-based applications, voice, video, and integrated data services. Their mission is to serve both the city administration and its citizens by delivering innovative technology solutions that improve operational outcomes and service delivery[1]. **History and Role:** The IT department has developed over time to meet the increasing digital needs of the city, focusing on creating a robust technological framework and strategic vision for future innovations. A notable component is their Geographical Information Systems (GIS) team, which manages computerized mapping and spatial data to assist city planning, infrastructure management, and emergency services. This reflects the department’s commitment to leveraging technology for urban management and public safety[1]. **Key Achievements:** Among their significant accomplishments is compliance with California’s SB 272, which mandates local agencies to catalog enterprise systems, ensuring transparency and efficient data management. The department also continually promotes technology integration across city services, enhancing connectivity with a secure and reliable enterprise network, and fostering innovative applications to support city functions[1]. **Current Status:** Currently, the department operates with a clear focus on strategic technological advancement, supporting the city’s operations during evolving challenges, including those heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The broader context of technology’s role in business and government during the pandemic underscores the importance of Corona’s IT department’s work in maintaining continuity and supporting digital transformation efforts[1][3][4]. **Notable Aspects:** Corona's IT department exemplifies how local government entities utilize technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and resilience. Their integration of GIS technology and commitment to innovative solutions highlight their proactive approach to city management. This aligns with global trends where digital transformation has accelerated, particularly in response to external shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing technology’s critical role in organizational resilience and service delivery[1][3][

Dos Equis is a historic and iconic Mexican beer brand founded in 1897 by German immigrant Wilhelm Hasse, who first brewed a beer called Siglo XX to mark the upcoming 20th century. The beer was later renamed Dos Equis, meaning "Two X's," inspired by the Roman numeral XX on the original label. It is produced by the Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Brewery, a major Mexican brewery established in 1890 and now a subsidiary of Heineken International[1][2][4][5]. Dos Equis offers several varieties, including its signature amber lager (Dos Equis Ambar), a lighter pale lager known as Dos Equis Lager Especial introduced in 1984 targeting the American market, and a more recent addition called "Azul" launched in 2014, featuring blue agave nectar and spices for a robust flavor. The brand has evolved its packaging and logo over time, notably updating its label in 2012 to feature a darker red and a redesigned Aztec leader Montezuma figure facing forward to symbolize looking to the future[1][4][6]. The brand’s global recognition was significantly boosted by the popular advertising campaign "The Most Interesting Man in the World," featuring actor Jonathan Goldsmith. This campaign ran for nearly a decade, becoming a cultural phenomenon with its memorable tagline and humorous storytelling, before being discontinued in 2018 due to less successful attempts to replace Goldsmith[2][3]. Dos Equis has consistently been one of the fastest-growing imported beers in the U.S., positioning itself as a premium, trade-up beer for domestic drinkers. It benefits from the extensive distribution and production network of Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Brewery, which operates multiple plants across Mexico with an annual production exceeding 30 million hectoliters[3][5]. Overall, Dos Equis stands out for its blend of German brewing heritage and Mexican cultural identity, innovative marketing, and broa