In 1925, the company was founded in Mexico City by Pablo Diez Fernandez and five other businessmen, and named after the tiny town of Tacuba, where they built their first brewery. Grupo Modelo began operations with the launch of its first beer brand, Modelo Especial, which was sold in the Mexican market.
In the early years, the company concentrated only on the local market, but in the 1950s, it began expanding its operations beyond the borders. The company’s first beer exports were to the United States in 1954, but it wasn’t commercially successful until the 1970s when it introduced the popular brand of Corona Extra.
The Corona Extra has been the company’s major driver for success in recent years. This brand of beer is now sold in over 120 countries worldwide, and it is one of the most cherished beers in several American Bars. The popular beer brand has been endorsed by several celebrities, such as Jeff Bridges, who created his own character known as the “The Dude,” in the iconic movie “The Big Lebowski” that he played.
In 2013, Grupo Modelo was acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev Company in a deal worth $20.1 billion. The acquisition deal allowed the global beer brand to expand its reach and enter new markets.
The company has an impressive portfolio of beer brands which includes Modelo, Corona, Victoria, Pacifico, Estrella Jalisco, and more recently, Michelob Ultra Pure Gold, a beer made with organic grains.
Grupo Modelo operates seven breweries located throughout Mexico with a total capacity of 70 million hectoliters per year. Their distribution network extends across 180 countries, with their top five markets being the United States, Mexico, Europe, South Africa, and Australia.
Grupo Modelo’s commitment to sustainability is a top priority, working hard to reduce water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions at their breweries. They also work to conserve water resources by implementing environmental technology solutions in production.
Corporate social responsibility is also a core value for the company, and it focuses on improving the quality of life for the people around the brewery communities. Through its “Brewed with Pride” program, Grupo Modelo partners with farmers and suppliers to create positive changes in their societies.
Overall, Grupo Modelo has created an impressive portfolio of beer brands, including the world’s most popular lager, Corona. As a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the company has successfully expanded its reach and introduced its beers to new markets, while also committing towards a sustainable future. Grupo Modelo has delivered consistent revenues for over 90 years, and there’s no indication that this trend will stop anytime soon.