The controversy over transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney helped Modelo Especial overtake Bud Light as America's No. 1 beer, but the Mexican lager's rise is no fluke. Its mainstream success was years in the making.
Recently claiming the title of top-selling beer for the second month in a row, Constellation Brands' Modelo Especial built a large following with a strong marketing presence and an appeal to younger, more diverse beer drinkers.
"They've spent the last 20 years building credibility, and that's recognized by consumers," said Bob Lachky, former chief creative officer at Anheuser-Busch.
