Corona beer is a popular Mexican beer known for its light, crisp flavor and trademark clear bottle with a lime wedge. Many people may wonder who created this iconic brand. In this article, we will explore the history of Corona beer and the individuals behind its creation.
The History of Corona Beer
Corona beer is a popular Mexican beer that is enjoyed by many people around the world. It is a pale lager that is known for its smooth taste and light body. The history of Corona beer dates back to 1925 when it was first brewed by Cervecería Modelo in Mexico City. The beer was originally named “Corona Extra” and was sold only in Mexico. It was not until the 1980s that Corona began to gain popularity in the United States.
The Founding of Cervecería Modelo
Cervecería Modelo was founded in 1925 by a group of Mexican businessmen. The company was originally called “Grupo Modelo” and was established to brew beer for the local market. The founders of the company were Don Pablo Diez, Don Jose Calderon, and Don Francisco Fernandez. The company was later renamed “Cervecería Modelo” in honor of its flagship brand, Modelo beer.
The Rise of Corona Beer
Corona beer began to gain popularity in the United States during the 1980s. This was due in part to the efforts of importer Gambrinus Inc. who began importing the beer to the United States in 1981. The beer quickly became popular among Americans who were looking for a light and refreshing beer to enjoy on a hot summer day. By the mid-1990s, Corona had become the best-selling imported beer in the United States.
Who Owns Corona Beer?
Corona beer is owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, which is the largest beer company in the world. Anheuser-Busch InBev was formed in 2008 when the Belgian-Brazilian company InBev acquired the American beer company Anheuser-Busch. The acquisition of Anheuser-Busch gave InBev control of several popular American beer brands, including Budweiser and Michelob.
Corona beer is a popular Mexican beer owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev and distributed by Constellation Brands. It was first brewed in Mexico City by Cervecería Modelo in 1925 and gained popularity in the United States during the 1980s. Corona is made using malted barley, corn, hops, and water and its distinctive clear glass bottle has been a significant part of its marketing and advertising campaign. Despite its popularity, Corona has faced criticisms such as the use of clear glass bottles and accusations of using contaminated water in the brewing process, which the company denies.
The Acquisition of Grupo Modelo
In 2012, Anheuser-Busch InBev acquired the Mexican beer company Grupo Modelo, which was the parent company of Cervecería Modelo. The acquisition gave Anheuser-Busch InBev control of several popular Mexican beer brands, including Corona, Modelo, and Pacífico. The acquisition was controversial, and there were concerns that it would lead to a monopoly in the beer industry. As a result, the U.S. Department of Justice required Anheuser-Busch InBev to divest itself of several brands, including Corona and Modelo, in order to gain approval for the acquisition.
Current Ownership Structure
Today, Corona beer is still owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, but it is produced and distributed by Constellation Brands. Constellation Brands is a beer and wine company that is based in New York. In 2013, Constellation Brands acquired the U.S. distribution rights for several popular Mexican beer brands, including Corona, Modelo, and Pacífico. Constellation Brands also owns several popular beer and wine brands, including Ballast Point, Robert Mondavi, and Ravenswood.
How is Corona Beer Made?
Corona beer is made using a combination of malted barley, corn, hops, and water. The brewing process begins with the malting of the barley, which involves soaking the barley in water and allowing it to germinate. The germinated barley is then dried and roasted to produce malt.
Corona beer was first brewed in 1925 by Cervecería Modelo in Mexico City. It gained popularity in the United States during the 1980s and is now owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev but produced and distributed by Constellation Brands. Corona beer is made using malted barley, corn, hops, and water and is known for its clear glass bottle and image as a summer beer. The company has faced criticisms and controversies over the years, including the use of clear glass bottles and accusations of using water contaminated with arsenic.
The Brewing Process
Once the malt has been produced, it is mixed with water and heated in a process called mashing. During the mashing process, enzymes in the malt break down the starches in the grain, converting them to sugars. The resulting liquid, called wort, is then boiled with hops to add flavor and bitterness to the beer.
After the wort has been boiled, it is cooled and fermented with yeast. During the fermentation process, the yeast consumes the sugars in the wort, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. The beer is then aged for several weeks before it is filtered, carbonated, and bottled.
The Popularity of Corona Beer
Corona beer is one of the most popular beers in the world, with sales in more than 120 countries. The beer is known for its distinctive clear glass bottle and its image as a beach and summer beer.
Marketing and Advertising
Corona’s marketing and advertising campaigns have played a significant role in the beer’s popularity. The beer is often associated with a laid-back, carefree lifestyle, and its advertisements often feature beaches, palm trees, and tropical settings.
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite its popularity, Corona beer has faced several criticisms and controversies over the years. One of the most significant criticisms is the use of clear glass bottles, which can allow light to penetrate the beer and cause it to develop a skunky taste. The company has since introduced UV-blocking bottles to address this issue.
Another controversy involves the company’s use of water in the brewing process. The company has been accused of using water from a well that is contaminated with arsenic. The company has denied these allegations, and independent testing has shown that the levels of arsenic in the water are below the legal limit.
FAQs for Who Made Corona Beer
Who is the founder of Corona Beer?
Corona beer was founded by a Mexican man named Leopoldo Fernandez in 1925 in the city of Tijuana, Mexico. The name “Corona” is Spanish for “crown.”
Is Corona Beer owned by a larger company?
Yes, in 2013, the American beverage company, Anheuser-Busch InBev, acquired Grupo Modelo, the parent company of Corona beer. As of 2021, Corona Beer is a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev.
How is Corona beer produced?
Corona beer is produced through a process of brewing, fermentation, and conditioning. The process starts with the selection of high-quality malted barley and other grains, which are then ground and mixed with water to extract the sugars. The mixture is boiled with hops to add flavor and bitterness, then cooled and fermented with yeast. After fermentation, the beer is conditioned, filtered, and packaged in bottles or cans.
Where is Corona beer brewed?
Corona beer is still brewed in Mexico, in several different locations. The main brewery is located in the city of Mexico City, and there are other breweries located in several different states throughout Mexico.
What is the alcohol content of Corona beer?
Corona beer has a relatively low alcohol content, typically around 4.6% by volume. This makes it a light, refreshing beer that is easy to drink.
Is Corona beer related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic?
No, Corona beer has no relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, there were reports of a decline in sales for the beer brand due to the unfortunate similarities in name, which led to a rumor that the beer was somehow linked to the virus. This rumor is completely false, and Corona beer is a safe and enjoyable beverage to consume.