Who Makes Corona Beer? The Surprising Truth Behind the Global Libation

Origin and core brand lineage trace back to Mexico, where a bold lager first captured attention in the 1970s. Corona, a trademark brand of TecateMarkdown Corporation’s rival group of Mexican brewery Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, began as a refreshing imported beer designed to bring a taste of Mexico to global markets. Unlike generic mass-produced beers, Corona’s identity is deeply rooted in its regional heritage and meticulous brewing traditions.

At the heart of Corona’s production lies a carefully protected brewing operation based primarily in Mexico, where the flagship lager is crafted using imported Mexican water, a key ingredient that defines its crisp, clean profile. The beer is brewed at Tecate’s flagship facility in Sevilla, Baja California Sur—though marketing often attributes the product to Corona’s distinct brand. While the brand itself is owned and managed by a consortium of alcohol producers, the actual brewing and quality control operate under strict protocols overseen by master brewers who uphold decades of expertise in Mexican lager production.

Core to the Corona production process is the use of 1,200-year-old water sources drawn from the Sierra de Baja California aquifers—water so mineral-rich it contributes to the beer’s signature crispness and subtle sweetness.

This natural resource, combined with traditional malting and lager fermentation techniques, sets Corona apart from mainstream lagers. The brewing team employs precise temperature controls and extended aging periods to ensure consistency across globally distributed bottles.

Behind the Label: The Makers and Operators

The public face of Corona Beer is shaped by Grupo Modelo, the Mexican brewing giant acquired majority control by Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2013. While AB InBev manages global distribution and marketing, operational brewing remains a tightly held process centered on Tecate’s facilities and a network of specialized partners.

Though Corona is not produced at the Tecate brewery per se, the brand operates under a unique licensing agreement that integrates Tecate’s infrastructure with Grupo Modelo’s global reach.

Key personnel involved in sustaining Corona’s production include head brewers and quality assurance specialists who have honed their craft within Mexico’s brewing tradition. These experts ensure adherence to strict quality benchmarks, from raw ingredient sourcing to final packaging.

Technological precision meets artisanal sensibility—modern fermentation tanks operate in tandem with old-world respect for batch clarity and flavor balance.

In addition to house staff, international filling plants contribute to Corona’s availability worldwide. Secure, regulated bottling lines—outfitted with advanced filtration and sealing systems—take bottled Corona under HSGC (Hazardous Substances Control Guidelines), producing up to 3.5 million hectoliters annually. From Mexico to distribution hubs in North America, Europe, and Asia, Corona’s journey from brewery to consumer reflects a global supply chain built on consistency and trust.

Why Regional Water Matters

One of Corona’s most distinctive traits lies in its water origin.

Brewers assert that the mineral composition of water drawn from the Sierra de Baja California aquifers—rich in calcium and magnesium—imparts a signature freshness absent in beers brewed with generic municipal water. This attention to traceable hydrology underscores the brand’s commitment to authenticity. Even when water undergoes purification, the core profile remains rooted in natural terroir, elevating Corona’s sensory profile beyond standard lagers.

From Source to Shelf: The Journey of a Corona Bottle

The pathway from production to consumer is a carefully choreographed logistical chain. After fermentation, beer is clarified and pasteurized, then flavored—neither added nor altered—maintaining purity. Bottles and cans are filled under controlled, sterile conditions in centralized packaging plants, often located near major export ports.

From Mexico, Corona logistics leverage major global freight networks, ensuring timely arrival to retailers and bars while preserving cold-chain integrity.

shine in every sip: crisp, clean, and subtly aromatic—traits directly traceable to both its Mexican roots and the expertise of the brewers overseeing production. While Corona is not born in one singular facility, it remains tethered to a place and craft defined by generations.

This fusion of tradition, precision, and global distribution makes it not just a beer, but a cultural phenomenon measured in bottles sold and footprints traced across continents.

The Human Element: Craft Behind the Brand

Behind the corporate structure are skilled professionals—brewmasters, chemical analysts, packaging engineers—who dedicate their expertise to maintaining Corona’s reputation. Their daily focus centers on quality control, regulatory compliance, and innovation without compromising authenticity. While overshadowed by the brand’s iconic image, these individuals uphold the standards that distinguish Corona in a saturated market.

Through meticulous batch monitoring, sensory evaluations, and continuous improvement, they ensure each Corona bottle fills not just a consumer’s hand, but expectations rooted in heritage and consistency.

Enduring Legacy and Market Impact

Corona’s success stems from more than marketing—it rests on a foundation of controlled brewing, superior water, and unwavering commitment to quality. By anchoring production in regionally distinctive resources and managing it through a blend of tradition and modern oversight, the brand has solidified its place among the world’s top-selling lagers.

Today, as Corona continues to evolve with changing consumer preferences—including expanded flavor variants and sustainability initiatives—it remains a testament to how craft, culture, and commerce converge in the global beverage industry. The next time a reader cracks open a Corona, they’re not just drinking beer—they’re tasting decades of brewing excellence refined through careful stewardship from Mexico to the world.