Every beer drinker has a favorite brew. Some are beer purists, drinking only imports and what they consider “fine ales.” Others choose their beer based on personality, social class, or even their job. Beer popularity varies by region, price, country, and season.
The best way to determine the most popular brands is to look at two categories: international beers and American beers. Most countries don’t impose the same taboos on alcohol consumption that America does, so the U.S. maintains the most comprehensive statistics. These statistics are often divided into “import beers” versus “local beers.”
International Beers
Gaining ground since 2000 in the international category is Corona Extra, made in Mexico. Corona is a lighter, sweeter beer and the number one imported beer in America. The introduction of Corona Light further increased their market share.
Not surprisingly, Heineken ranks second among import beers. While they also introduced a light beer, it hasn’t boosted their market share as Corona Light did for Corona. Heineken, originally brewed in Germany, has a slightly more bitter flavor and now has a brewing plant in the United States.
Following closely are Labatt Blue and Tecate. Labatt is a Canadian beer that is less bitter than Heineken, while Tecate is another Mexican beer, slightly harsher in flavor than Corona. Technically, Labatt is in third place and Tecate in fourth, but their market shares are so close it’s nearly a tie.
Guinness from Ireland holds fifth place in market share. Although it’s hugely popular in Europe, it has struggled in the American market due to its heavy, dark, robust flavor and weighty texture. Guinness is one of the most nutritious beers available and requires a nitrous distribution process that differs from the CO2 used in most American beers and imports.
Rounding out the top ten international beers are Foster’s Lager from Australia, Beck’s from Germany, Amstel Light (from the makers of Heineken), Bass Ale (part of the Guinness family of brewers), and Modelo Especial (from Mexico). Recently, Amstel Light has been gaining popularity as more people become health-conscious and seek robust light beers.
American Beers
The number one seller in America is Bud Light from Anheuser-Busch, with Budweiser in second place. Most American beers share a similar light texture, pale color, and slightly bitter taste. People often choose American beer based on location, job, or social standing more than any other factor.
Third on the list is Coors Light. This beer has maintained its position thanks to a sharp marketing department that idealizes its brewing location, though Bud Light’s humorous campaigns keep it at the top.
For a time, Miller Lite dominated the American beer market with its catchy slogan in the ’70s and ’80s: “Tastes Great! Less Filling!” However, it hasn’t been able to compete with Bud Light’s recent campaigns, and the Budweiser Super Bowl commercials have become incredibly difficult to beat, keeping Miller Lite in the number four spot.
Natural Light holds the fifth position, another Anheuser-Busch product. Its reasonable pricing helps it maintain a higher spot on the list.
The American beers at the end of the list include Busch, Busch Light, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller High Life, and Michelob Light. Two of these are also Anheuser-Busch creations, giving the company a massive share of the American beer market. Except for Coors Light, all the other beers on the list are made by Miller Brewing Company.
As Anheuser-Busch and Miller continue to escalate their competition for beer dominance—enhancing their commercials, improving packaging, and making minor adjustments to their beer lines—Americans are shifting their buying habits. As international beers gain popularity, American beer companies are being pushed to become more interesting (evident in the introduction of Miller Amber and Budweiser E). Only time will tell if American beer makers can retain their massive market share.
