Quick Hits: More “Big Beer” Layoffs / New Modelo Christmas Beer

American Craft Beer|November 10th, 2025|

Two hands holding and clinking two bottles of Modelo beer against a warm red background with festive lights

(Courtesy Modelo)

The beer biz never sleeps at American Craft Beer. And here’s just some of what’s been happening in the beer world while you were enjoying the weekend.

New Modelo Christmas Beer

Modelo, a beer long associated with Hispanic culture and its Mexican roots, has just released a limited edition Christmas Lager inspired by Noche Buena, a winter holiday celebration embraced by millions across the US. Brewed to pair with the December 24 celebration, Modelo Noche Especial is a 5.8% ABV Amber Lager with toasted, caramel malt notes that offers an elevated twist on traditional holiday ales.

Brewed exclusively in Mexico as part of the Casa Modelo brand family and imported and marketed in the US by Constellation Brands, Modelo Noche Especial continues the brand’s commitment to its cultural heritage.

“The Modelo brand continues to innovate by staying true to its heritage and embracing the traditions that matter most to the community,” said Logan Jensen, Vice President Brand Marketing, Modelo. “Modelo Noche Especial is more than a beer; it’s a flavorful way to celebrate the season authentically.”

Words to Drink By

“Free enterprise cannot exist without free expression.” – Jim Caruso, CEO Flying Dog Brewery on censorship.

More Constellation Brands Layoffs

Constellation Brands, the Rochester, NY-headquartered beverage company behind brands like Corona and Modelo beer, is trimming its workforce as part of a larger restructuring effort. According to the Rochester Business Journal the company did confirm that it has laid off a “portion” of its local workforce in the Rochester, New York area, though it hasn’t released exact numbers

An employee in the company’s IT department told News10 that this was the third and largest round of layoffs this year for the Rochester operations.

Several headwinds are driving the move:

The beer segment—especially imported brands—has been hit by sliding demand, which is affecting the company’s outlook.
Tariffs on aluminum (used in beer cans) and other cost pressures are trimming margins.
Constellation is pivoting away from some of its mainstream wine portfolio (selling off brands) in favor of higher-growth, higher-margin segments
The company says it’s engaging in a “holistic review” of its organizational structure, resources, and investments.

For the Rochester, NY region or other localities where Constellation has operations, the cutbacks may have ripple effects—reduced local spending, loss of talent, and possibly realignment of local economic impact.

And while the full layoff numbers & details remain vague), Constellation Brands is clearly recalibrating its business in response to market pressures.

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