The landscape of beer sales in the United States is constantly evolving, driven by changing consumer preferences and market dynamics. As of the latest reports, the top 10 best-selling beers in the USA reflect a mix of long-established brands and emerging favorites.
Traditional powerhouses like Bud Light, Coors Light, and Miller Lite continue to dominate due to their broad appeal and extensive distribution networks. Meanwhile, brands like Michelob Ultra have gained traction by targeting health-conscious consumers.
Additionally, imported beers such as Corona and Modelo Especial have solidified their positions thanks to their unique flavors and strong brand identities. This dynamic mix highlights the diverse tastes of American beer drinkers and the competitive nature of the beer industry in the USA. Whether the recent controversies and market shifts have significantly altered this ranking remains a key point of analysis for industry observers.
As of 2024, the top beer brands by sales in the U.S. and their respective market shares are:
1. Bud Light – market shares 8.6%
2. Modelo Especial – market shares 8.5%
3. Coors Light – market shares 6.5%
4. Budweiser – market shares 6.2%
5. Michelob Ultra – market shares 4.5%
6. Miller Lite – market shares 3.7%
7. Corona Extra – market shares 3.5%
8. Natural Light – market shares 2.2%
9. Busch Light – market shares 2.1%
10. Stella Artois – market shares 1.9%
These brands reflect a mix of light lagers, premium imports, and well-known stouts (VinePair) .
In dept Information:
1. Bud Light – market shares 8.6%
The boycott of Bud Light due to its partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney has had significant and lasting effects on the brand. The controversy began in April 2023, when Bud Light collaborated with Mulvaney for a promotional campaign. This partnership led to backlash and a boycott primarily driven by conservative groups and influencers.
As of 2024, Bud Light’s sales in the U.S. have continued to suffer. In the first quarter of 2024, Anheuser-Busch InBev reported a 9.1% decline in U.S. sales, largely due to the reduced volume of Bud Light sold. Sales to retailers in the U.S. dropped by 13.7%, and sales to wholesalers decreased by 10.1% (Yahoo) (Fox Business). This decline has significantly impacted Anheuser-Busch’s overall performance in the American market.
In response to the boycott, Bud Light has attempted various strategies to rehabilitate its image, including new partnerships with the UFC and the Olympics and releasing advertisements focused on patriotism and humor. Despite these efforts, the brand has struggled to regain its previous market position. Notably, Bud Light lost its status as the top-selling beer in the U.S. to Modelo Especial in 2023 (Fox Business).
The situation highlights the challenges brands face when navigating cultural and social issues, as well as the potential long-term impacts of consumer boycotts. Go woke = Go Broke.
2. Modelo Especial – market shares 8.5%
Modelo Especial has seen significant market success and growth in recent years. It’s currently one of the most important beer brands in the U.S., having become the best-selling beer in the country by dollar sales in 2023, surpassing Bud Light. This surge in popularity was driven partly by the backlash against Bud Light, but also by Modelo’s strong market strategies and appeal across various demographics (Mexico News Daily) (VinePair).
In terms of market performance, Modelo Especial’s sales have consistently increased. In the fiscal year ending May 2023, Constellation Brands, the parent company of Modelo, reported an 11% increase in net sales for its beer business, driven largely by Modelo Especial. This made Constellation the top share gainer in the U.S. beer market for the eighth consecutive quarter (MarketScreener).
Modelo Especial’s brand value has also been recognized globally. It entered the Brand Finance Global 500 list in 2024 with a valuation of $5.2 billion, marking a significant 24% increase from the previous year (Mexico News Daily). The brand’s marketing strategies and broad consumer appeal have helped it grow in popularity, particularly in major urban markets like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas (VinePair).
Overall, Modelo Especial’s robust growth trajectory and strategic positioning have solidified its status as a leading beer brand in the U.S. market.
3. Coors Light – market shares 6.5%
Coors Light has seen strong market performance, becoming the number one brand in grocery sales for both dollar and volume metrics as of early 2024. This success is driven by strategic marketing initiatives like the “Choose Chill” campaign, which targets basketball fans through partnerships with ESPN and localized promotions in the U.S. and Canada.
In the first quarter of 2024, Molson Coors, Coors Light’s parent company, reported a 10.6% increase in net sales in the Americas segment, bolstered by higher volumes and favorable pricing. Despite a competitive landscape, Coors Light’s robust performance reflects its effective branding and market strategy (Molson Coors Beer & Beyond) (Molson Coors) (VinePair).
4. Budweiser – market shares 6.2%
Budweiser, a flagship brand of Anheuser-Busch InBev, remains a significant player in the global beer market despite facing challenges. As of 2023, Budweiser has a global brand value of approximately $16.2 billion. The brand has maintained high visibility and consumer engagement through traditional marketing symbols like the Budweiser Clydesdales, which continue to represent the company’s legacy and customs.
Financially, Anheuser-Busch InBev reported solid performance in 2023, with a revenue of $59 billion and an EBITDA of $20 billion, highlighting Budweiser’s contribution to the company’s overall success. However, Budweiser faces strong competition and evolving consumer preferences, which it addresses through consistent brand reinforcement and strategic marketing initiatives (AB InBev) (The Upper Middle).
5. Michelob Ultra – market shares 4.5%
Michelob Ultra, a low-calorie beer brand owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, has maintained a strong market presence, particularly appealing to health-conscious consumers and athletes. It has positioned itself as a top choice for those seeking a light beer with fewer carbohydrates and calories. The brand’s marketing strategy, which emphasizes active lifestyles and wellness, has contributed to its steady growth and popularity. However, Michelob Ultra has not been significantly impacted by scandals.
Unlike some competitors, it has managed to avoid major controversies, maintaining a relatively clean image in the market. This clean track record, along with strategic sponsorships and targeted advertising, continues to bolster its reputation and consumer loyalty.
6. Miller Lite – market shares 3.7%
Miller Lite, a flagship product of Molson Coors Beverage Company, continues to be a major player in the light beer segment, known for its balance of taste and fewer calories. The brand has a loyal customer base and competes directly with other light beers like Bud Light and Michelob Ultra.
While Miller Lite has enjoyed consistent market performance, it has faced challenges, including a notable scandal in 2023. The controversy arose from a marketing campaign that was criticized for perceived insensitivity and sexism, leading to public backlash and a brief dip in sales.
The controversial ad, which originally aired in March, highlighted the historical role of women in brewing and criticized past marketing practices that featured women in bikinis. Instead, the ad promoted the donation of fertilizer to female brewers.
This attempt at a “woke” rebranding was met with calls for a boycott and criticism from various social media users, leading to a polarized reception (AllSides). Despite this, Miller Lite has worked to recover through revised marketing strategies and efforts to restore its image, demonstrating resilience in the competitive beer industry.
7. Corona Extra – market shares 3.5%
Corona Extra remains a strong player in the global beer market, known for its distinctive clear bottles and beach-themed marketing. Despite some impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, which initially led to misleading claims about its brand association, Corona’s sales actually increased during that period as more people consumed beverages at home (Wikipedia) (ThePackagingCompany.com).
In 2023, Corona faced a significant legal battle involving its hard seltzer product line. AB InBev’s Grupo Modelo sued Constellation Brands, arguing that using the Corona name for hard seltzer violated a licensing agreement.
However, a federal jury sided with Constellation Brands, allowing them to continue using the Corona name for their hard seltzer and Modelo Ranch Water products (beveragedaily.com). This decision highlighted the competitive dynamics within the beer and hard seltzer markets, reinforcing Corona’s strong brand presence.
8. Natural Light – market shares 2.2%
Natural Light, a popular beer brand under Anheuser-Busch, has maintained a steady presence in the market as an affordable, low-calorie light lager since its introduction in 1977.
Despite the challenges faced by its parent company, particularly in the wake of the Bud Light scandal involving a marketing campaign with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, Natural Light has not been directly implicated in any significant scandals of its own in 2023.
However, the broader backlash against Anheuser-Busch has impacted Natural Light’s sales, contributing to a 5.2% decline in cases sold during that period (Natural Light) (Wikipedia). The brand continues to innovate with new product offerings and nostalgic branding updates to appeal to its loyal customer base (Natural Light).
9. Busch Light – market shares 2.1%
Busch Light, a popular beer brand under Anheuser-Busch, has maintained a steady market presence, particularly among younger, budget-conscious consumers.
The brand is known for its affordability and marketing campaigns that often focus on outdoor and sporting events. In 2023, Busch Light did not experience any major scandals directly tied to its brand.
However, it was indirectly affected by the broader controversy surrounding Anheuser-Busch’s Bud Light, which faced significant backlash and boycotts following a partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. This controversy had a ripple effect on other Anheuser-Busch brands, including Busch Light, leading to a dip in sales and requiring the company to adjust its marketing strategies to regain consumer trust (Wikipedia) (The Daily Signal) (Busch)
10. Stella Artois – market shares 1.9%
Stella Artois, a premium Belgian lager owned by AB InBev, has been focusing on reinvigorating its brand and expanding its market presence. In 2023, the brand launched a major campaign to encourage meaningful social connections over meals, highlighting its role in fostering spontaneous and authentic interactions (Anheuser-Busch).
Additionally, Stella Artois renewed its sponsorship as the Official Beer Partner of Wimbledon, leveraging this prestigious event to enhance its brand visibility and engagement with consumers (AB InBev). The brand also moved its production to the US to manage costs and maintain supply chain efficiency, a decision that has been well-received without impacting its premium positioning (Rabobank). There were no major scandals associated with Stella Artois in 2023.
In Conclusion
Beer drinking in the United States continues to be a significant social and cultural activity, reflecting broader societal trends and shifts. The habit of enjoying a beer, whether at social gatherings, sporting events, or casual dinners, fosters a sense of community and connection among individuals.
This social aspect is a key factor in the enduring popularity of beer. Moreover, the diversity of beer choices available—from traditional lagers and pilsners to craft brews and imported brands—caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences, illustrating the evolving palate of American consumers.
As health consciousness and demographic shifts influence drinking habits, the beer industry adapts, offering lower-calorie options and innovative flavors. Ultimately, beer remains a staple in American social life, adapting to the changing landscape while continuing to bring people together.
