Global beer brand value: overview
- Corona Extra remains the world’s most valuable beer brand at $13.9bn, ahead of Heineken ($13.8bn) and Modelo Especial ($8bn)
- Latin American and Asian brands drove growth, with Brahma (+65%), Chang (+50%) and Tsingtao (+30%) posting the biggest gains
- Tsingtao was named the world’s strongest beer brand, achieving an AAA+ rating
- Major US lagers lost ground, with Budweiser down 35%, Bud Light down 19% and Busch down 26%
- The ranking highlights a shift in beer growth towards emerging markets as no-alcohol beer volumes continue to outperform the wider beer category globally
The combined value of the world’s 50 most valuable beer brands has risen to $118.8bn in 2026, according to Brand Finance.
But while brands such as Corona Extra, Heineken and Modelo Especial have increased in value, some of the biggest names in US beer have gone in the opposite direction.
Corona Extra has retained its position as the world’s most valuable beer brand, with its value rising 4% to $13.9bn. Heineken follows closely behind, up 7% to $13.8bn, while Modelo Especial has climbed to third place after increasing 14% to $8bn, overtaking Budweiser.
The findings come as the wider beer market faces pressure on volumes, despite growing demand for alcohol-free alternatives.
Latin American and Asian brands gain ground
Brazilian beer brand Brahma recorded the biggest increase in the ranking, with its brand value rising 65% to $1.9bn, moving it up six places to 19th.
Thailand’s Chang followed with a 50% increase to $1.4bn, climbing to 25th place, while China’s Tsingtao rose 30% to $4.7bn. Tsingtao was also named the world’s strongest beer brand, achieving a Brand Strength Index score of 95.7 out of 100 and an AAA+ rating.
European brands also recorded gains. Guinness increased 26% to $4.3bn, moving into ninth place, while Desperados, Amstel, Tuborg and Peroni featured among the ranking’s fastest-growing brands.
US lagers lose value
Several established US brands recorded significant declines. Budweiser’s brand value fell 35% to $7.7bn, while Bud Light dropped 19% to $4.7bn. Busch also recorded a 26% fall to $1.2bn.
Henry Farr, global sector head for alcoholic drinks at Brand Finance, said the ranking showed a shift in beer brand growth towards Latin America, Asia and Europe, contrasting with declines among several traditional American lagers.
He added that brands such as Brahma and Chang demonstrated the momentum of emerging markets, while Guinness and Desperados showed that established markets could still deliver growth when brands remained distinctive and relevant.
Alcohol-free beer bucks the volume trend
The contrasting fortunes of beer brands come as the wider market faces pressure on volumes, despite growing demand for alcohol-free alternatives.
According to IWSR, no-alcohol beer volumes grew 8% in 2025 across its 21 leading markets, while overall beer volumes fell 1%.
The research also found that premium-and-above products accounted for 29% of no-alcohol beer volumes in 2025, up from 20% in 2019.
Although the data does not establish a direct link between alcohol-free beer growth and individual brand values, it highlights how drinking preferences are changing as brewers look for new opportunities in a market under pressure.
For manufacturers and suppliers, this raises questions about how product innovation can help brands remain relevant, from developing alcohol-free alternatives to exploring new ingredients, flavours, brewing technologies and packaging formats.
