The Corona Extra logo showcases the unique taste and elitism of the best-selling beer brand. Its graphics, a yellow crown, stylized Old English font, and mythical griffins embody nobility, premium quality, and the drink’s value.
Corona traces back to March 1922, when Cervecería Modelo, S.A. was founded in Mexico City by a group of Spanish immigrants led by Braulio Iriarte and Martín Oyamburu. In July, brewer Adolph Schmiedtje joined the company and developed the recipe that defined its early products. The brewery launched in 1925, introducing Modelo first, followed a month later by Corona Extra.
From the start, Corona stood apart with its clear glass bottle, which exposed the beer’s color, unlike competitors such as Cervecería Cuauhtémoc and Moctezuma, which used dark glass. In 1935, Eduardo Cataño created the logo under Galas de México. By 1930, Pablo Díez Fernández had become managing director, gaining control in 1936, and steering long-term expansion without external financing.
The company built a vertically integrated structure by acquiring suppliers and breweries, including Victoria in 1935 and Estrella and Pacífico in 1954. By 1956, Modelo held 31.6% of Mexico’s beer production, surpassing Cuauhtémoc. During the 1960s, new plants and a national distribution network supported growth, while Corona Extra led the domestic market.
Exports to the United States began in 1976 and expanded steadily. By 1988, Corona became the top-selling imported beer in the US, overtaking Heineken. Growth accelerated after NAFTA in 1994, and by 1997 Corona ranked first among imported beers in the US and fifth globally.
In 1993, Anheuser-Busch acquired a minority stake in Grupo Modelo. In 2012, AB InBev moved to purchase the remaining shares for $20.1 billion. Antitrust conditions led to the transfer of US rights to Constellation Brands in 2013, while AB InBev retained control elsewhere.
Meaning and History
Corona’s brand strategy revolves around the idea of a “beach state of mind.” No other beer brand better reflects the idea of relaxation in an exotic paradise and the philosophy of a carefree life.
The Corona brand logo is very clean, simple, and iconic. It features a centered design with clear lines and a contrast of bright colors.
What is Corona Extra?
Corona Extra is a beer brand owned by the Mexican brewery Grupo Modelo. It produces a pale lager made from yeast, hops, corn, and barley malt. For a long time, it was the best-selling imported drink in the U.S. However, the brand’s rating dropped significantly at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic due to its association with coronaviruses.
The Corona Extra logo looks modern and premium while retaining Corona’s heritage. It consists of bold gothic fonts, a yellow inscription “The Best Beer,” a crown at the top, and two griffins (legendary creatures with the body, tail, and hind legs of a lion, the head and wings of an eagle, and talons of an eagle-like forelimb).
Font and Colors
The beer’s name, named after the solar Corona, and the distinctive crown logo are based on the crown adorning the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
The griffin is a protective symbol, embodying strength and vigilance; it was sacred to the sun and guarded hidden treasures. The two griffins, as if watching over the Corona Extra symbol, signify the beverage’s value and the need to protect it.
Corona has a unique and unmistakable font that instantly makes it recognizable. The font is in a gothic style and resembles several classic serif fonts, such as Ancient and Old London.
The color palette of the Corona Extra logo consists of three colors: yellow, white, and blue. The dominant brand color is blue, while yellow comes from the beer’s color. White is used for the upper horizon and the logo background.
The combination of white and yellow is a light, refreshing choice, while blue conveys a sense of quality and royal authority.
FAQ
What Does the Corona Logo Mean?
The Corona Extra brand logo doesn’t just illustrate its name. The crown above symbolizes the drink’s highest quality, premiumness, and uniqueness. Yellow embodies the sun, while blue is associated with the ocean. Thus, they hint at a pleasant atmosphere of relaxation and unwinding, with a cold beer on a hot day.
What Does the Corona Extra Logo Represent?
The top half of the logo is a yellow crown. The bottom part splits the brand name into two lines, written in blue letters styled in an Old English font.
What are the Symbols of Corona Beer?
The main symbol of the brand was chosen to be a crown – an attribute of royal authority. The second Corona Extra brand style element is the griffins depicted on the label. These mythical creatures represent vigilance and strength. They guard vast treasures, in this case, the beer.



