Modelo Especial has exceeded 43 million cases in annual depletions, becoming only the third import beer to achieve 40 million cases sold in one calendar year.

“This is a remarkable accomplishment for Modelo Especial, which is the number three imported beer in the U.S. and is growing at a rate of more than 20 percent year over year,” said Bill Hackett, president of Crown Imports, Modelo’s exclusive U.S. importer. “This achievement is a true indicator of the phenomenal growth of the brand that continues to lead the beer industry and brings us one step closer to attaining our long-term vision of Modelo Especial becoming a 100 million case brand and the number two imported beer in the U.S.”

Modelo Especial continues to outpace the industry. As one of the fastest growing beer brands in the U.S., Modelo Especial reached the 30 million case mark just two years ago and grew sales nearly eight million cases in 2012 alone. The brand also became the number two imported beer within the U.S. convenience store channel earlier this year according to SymphonyIRI data – further indication of Modelo Especial’s continued success.

The brand’s rapid growth can be attributed to its widespread appeal and continued brand strength among Hispanic beer drinkers, a valuable consumer segment. To support Modelo Especial’s continued expansion into the General Market, the brand launched its first-ever English language TV spot within select markets in 2012 as well as drove consumer engagement and incremental case growth with a number of exciting promotions throughout the year. Additionally, two new Modelo Especial packages were introduced to the lineup: 24-pack loose bottles and 24 ounce bottles to help meet new drinking occasions among general and Hispanic audiences.

“Modelo Especial is a brand with both mass and acceleration unmatched by any other brand in the beer industry,” added Jim Sabia, chief marketing officer for Crown Imports. “We will continue to create strategic marketing initiatives for the brand to reach the general and Hispanic markets as we work to drive both future growth and awareness of the brand in 2013 and beyond.”

In a banner year for the premium Mexican beer, Modelo Especial was recently awarded the Leaders Choice “Beer Brand of the Year” Award by Market Watch magazine, as well as a Hot Brands award for the 18th consecutive year. Additionally, IMPACT magazine awarded Modelo Especial a Blue Chip Brand award, recognizing brands with over 500,000 case equivalent depletions with at least ten years of consecutive years of volume growth.