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BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Ranking Reveals Growing Power and Influence of Technology
The Top 100 most valuable brands have shown they are more resilient and less volatile in the current crisis than they were during the global economic crisis of 2008-9, adding an additional US$277bn of brand value growth over the past year. The BrandZ strong brands portfolios continued to outperform the market, including the S&P 500 and MSCI World Index, and even in the current crisis dipped less than the global average.
The ranking uses valuations data incorporating stock price performance from April 2020 to reflect the impact of COVID-19. Against a backdrop of uncertainty, those companies that have consistently invested in longer-term marketing and in building strong brands have managed to stave off the worst of the crisis. Prior to the global pandemic, total brand value of the Top 100 brands was set to increase by 9%.
maintained its position as the world's most valuable brand, growing 32% to US$415.9bn . Having first entered the BrandZ Global Top 100 Most Valuable Brands ranking in 2006, Amazon's value grew by almost $100bn this year and accounts for a third of the Top 100's total growth.
Technology brands continued to dominate the top of the ranking, representing over a third (37%) of brand value in the Top 100 and growing overall by 10%. maintained its position as the second most valuable global brand (+14%, $352.2bn ) while regained the no. 3 position (+30%, $326.5bn ) ahead of (+5%, $323.6bn ) at no. 4, due to the growth of its cloud-enabled workplace ecosystem that incorporates Office365 and Microsoft Teams, allowing people to maintain 'business as usual' during the lockdown.
Asian brands represented a quarter of the Top 100 brands, including 17 Chinese brands. (+16%, no. 6, $152.5bn ) was the most valuable Chinese brand with Internet services giant, (+15%, no. 7, $151bn ) one place behind.
This year's BrandZ Top 100 showed that innovation and creativity are key drivers of growth as people spend more time online. One of the most exciting new brands, short video-sharing social network (no. 79, $16.9bn ) was the highest new entry this year, offering light-hearted, entertaining user-generated content.
"The continued growth in value of the BrandZ Top 100 shows that strong brands are in a much better place than they were in the global economic crisis of 2008-9. We see a significant improvement in brand equity now compared to 10 years ago because businesses understand the importance of investing in brand-building and are stronger and more resilient as a result. While the impact of COVID-19 has impacted every business regardless of size or geography, consistent investment in marketing can and will help carry you through a crisis."
The retail sector showed strong performance, growing the fastest (21%) in brand value driven by the major e-commerce players. Over half of brands in the media and entertainment category appeared in the top 20 risers, including (+34%, $45.9bn ), up eight places to no. 26, (+47%, $41.5bn ) up 15 places to no. 29, (+31%, $29.9bn , no.43), and (+18%, $19.6bn ), up 22 places to no. 65.
Retail e-commerce brands and (+24%, no. 52, $25.5bn ) demonstrated innovation and agility during difficult times, along with more traditional retailers like (+24%, no. 27, $45.8bn ), which has invested in its e-commerce capabilities.
Brands have also found new and creative ways to engage with consumers, build trust and create a level of intimacy, particularly in health and wellness. Athleisure brand (+40%, $9.7bn ) was one of the fastest risers, having shifted its focus from yoga-inspired wear to work-appropriate clothing, as well as offering online classes for people at home.
, comments: "Innovation has proven to be a key driver for growth in this year's Top 100, and a way to prevent decline. Creativity is also an important trait for the world's most valuable brands. Companies like Amazon, Apple and Google – the tech giants that keep on innovating – successfully combine both to continue being relevant to consumers' lives and making it easier for them to choose a brand."
Key trends highlighted in this year's BrandZ Global Top 100 study include:
The BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands report and rankings are available to download here and via Brandz.com. The Global report, rankings, charts, articles and more can also be found via the BrandZ app. The app also contains the same features and functionality for all BrandZ regional reports and is free to download for Apple IOS and all Android devices from www.brandz.com/mobile or search for BrandZ in the respective iTunes or Google Play app stores.
Now in its 15th year and commissioned by WPP, the valuation behind the BrandZ™ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands was conducted by brand equity research experts Kantar.
The ranking combines rigorously analysed market data from Bloomberg with extensive consumer insights from over 3.8 million consumers around the world, covering over 17,500+ different brands in 51 markets.
The ability of any brand to power business growth relies on how it is perceived by customers. Grounded in consumer opinion, BrandZ analysis enables businesses to identify their brand's strength in the market and provides clear strategic guidance on how to boost value for the long-term. The eligibility criteria are:
The suite of BrandZ brand valuation rankings and reports includes Australia , Canada , China , France , Germany , India , Indonesia , Italy , Japan , Latin America ( Argentina , Brazil , Chile , Colombia , Mexico , Peru ), The Netherlands , South Africa , Spain , UK, US. Access a suite of customised reports and data packages from BrandZ via www.kantar.com/marketplace
Kantar is the world's leading evidence-based insights and consulting company. We have a complete, unique and rounded understanding of how people think, feel and act; globally and locally in over 90 markets. By combining the deep expertise of our people, our data resources and benchmarks, our innovative analytics and technology, we help our clients and . For more information, visit www.kantar.com
WPP is a creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, clients and communities. For more information, visit www.wpp.com
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