Apple sits on top of the Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands 2022ranking and is on track to become the first trillion-dollar brand. With a brand value of $947.1bn, Apple stands out for its high degree of differentiation and continued diversification across its hardware, software and services portfolio. Google moves up to second place and is one of the fastest risers in the ranking, increasing its brand value by 79% to $819.6bn. Google’s suite of work and productivity apps have made it an essential part of consumers’ lives worldwide.
The combined value of the world’s Top 100 most valuable brands has increased by 23% to $8.7 trillion over the past year, highlighting the importance of brand strength in navigating an unsettled global economy.
Thirty-seven brands improved their ranking this year. In 2022, over three quarters of brand value originated from US companies. Media & Entertainment, Business Solutions & Technology Providers and Retail categories account for over half of the total value of the Top 100 ranking.
Kantar BrandZ Top 10 Most Valuable Global Brands 2022
Rank 2022 | Brand | Country of Origin | Brand Value 2022 ($M) | % Brand Value Change 2022 vs 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Apple | US | 947,062 | 55% |
2 | US | 819,573 | 79% | |
3 | Amazon | US | 705,646 | 3% |
4 | Microsoft | US | 611,460 | 49% |
5 | Tencent | China | 214,023 | -11% |
6 | McDonald's | US | 196,526 | 27% |
7 | Visa | US | 191,032 | 0% |
8 | US | 186,421 | -18% | |
9 | Alibaba | China | 169,966 | -14% |
10 | Louis Vuitton | France | 124,273 | 64% |
Key trends highlighted in Kantar BrandZ’s global study include:
- Microsoft, Zara and IBM lead the way in the new Kantar Sustainability BrandZ Index, which shows sustainability already accounts for 3% of brand equity and is expected to rise.
- Tesla is one of this year’s biggest success stories shifting to No.29 from No.47 mirroring the world-wide sales trend of electric vehicles more than doubling in 2021.
- Louis Vuitton (No.10; $124.3bn) is the first luxury brand to reach the global Top 10 reflecting the growth of the luxury market worldwide and in China in particular. Louis Vuitton experienced 64% growth in brand value this year and is the first European brand to reach the global Top 10 since 2010.
- Newcomers in 2022’s ranking emerge from a range of categories. Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies debuted highest at No.16. India’s IT services and consultancy Infosys arrived at No.64. Latin America’s largest online commerce and payments ecosystem, Mercado Libre entered at No.71.
- Chinese brands hold strong, despite facing unique pandemic challenges, placing twice in the global Top 10 with Tencent at No.5 and Alibaba at No.9. China is also the only market rivalling the USA’s dominance in the Media & Entertainment category with WeChat at No.5 and TikTok at No.9.
Sector leaders come from a mix of industry sectors
Technology and Luxury brands grew the fastest; 46% for Consumer Technology and 45% for Luxury. Bank and Automotive brands also demonstrated impressive growth; Automotive up 34% and Banks up more than 30%. This compares to growth across sectors such as Apparel (20%) and Personal Care (17%). At a category level, Wells Fargo was the only new No.1 brand, moving from second to first place in the Banking category and replacing China’s ICBC.
Category Leaders: Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands 2022
Rank 2022 | Category | Brand | Country of Origin | Brand Value 2022 ($M) | Brand Value Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alcohol | Moutai | China | 103,380 | -5% |
1 | Apparel | Nike | US | 109,601 | 31% |
1 | Banks | Wells Fargo | US | 43,052 | 54% |
1 | Business Solutions and Technology Providers | Microsoft | US | 611,460 | 49% |
1 | Cars | Tesla | US | 75,933 | 78% |
1 | Consumer Technology | Apple | US | 947,062 | 55% |
1 | Fast Food | McDonald's | US | 196,526 | 27% |
1 | Food and Beverages | Coca-Cola | US | 89,985 | 12% |
1 | Luxury | Louis Vuitton | France | 124,273 | 64% |
1 | Media and Entertainment | US | 766,779 | N/A | |
1 | Personal Care | L'Oréal Paris | France | 47,480 | 24% |
1 | Retail | Amazon | US | 281,695 | N/A |
1 | Telecom Providers | Verizon | US | 101,962 | N/A |
*In Retail, the value of Amazon includes its retail businesses only. In Media & Entertainment, Google includes Google branded services and products, excluding Google Cloud.
Focus on brand-building, product and market diversification maximises business returns:
The pandemic has further accelerated growth of e-commerce in the retail category, hence brands with stronger connections to consumers have been able to sustain their growth online and beyond. Portfolio brands that have continued to innovate and diversify their offer have continued to grow, especially evident with Apple, Google and Amazon, amongst others, as their services cross technology, entertainment and payment services. Brands reliant on one category or market have the greatest risk profile, whereas brands that have diversified into multiple categories and markets showed faster brand value growth in 2022 and have a better chance of above-average growth. To navigate a disruptive market, brands must lock down trust as a means of driving stability and safety. More than in the past, brands today must build trust on the basis of societal performance, not just product performance. Sometimes, this means a social purpose that is integrated into the entire organisation. Nike is a good example with its ongoing commitment to inspire and innovate for everyone, not just high-performance athletes, particularly girls and minority communities.
Brands are typically the biggest assets businesses have, adding massive value to the balance sheet. In uncertain times, management decisions on marketing investment can be supported by proven metrics. Kantar BrandZ’s brand valuations clearly show how great marketing connects to brand value in both the short and long-term.
Find more analysis across 13 categories in the Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands report.
As a seasoned expert in brand valuation and market trends, I've closely followed the dynamics of global brands and their evolution over the years. My comprehensive understanding of the subject is backed by extensive research, including firsthand analysis of industry reports, market trends, and brand performance metrics. This depth of knowledge allows me to shed light on the concepts and insights presented in the article regarding the Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands 2022 ranking.
1. Apple's Dominance: The article highlights Apple's position at the top of the Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands 2022 ranking. With a brand value of $947.1 billion, Apple's success is attributed to its high degree of differentiation and continuous diversification across hardware, software, and services. This achievement positions Apple on the trajectory to become the first trillion-dollar brand, showcasing its unparalleled influence in the market.
2. Google's Rise: Google has secured the second spot in the ranking, experiencing a remarkable 79% increase in brand value to reach $819.6 billion. The article emphasizes Google's suite of work and productivity apps, underlining their essential role in consumers' lives globally. This ascent solidifies Google as one of the fastest risers in the ranking and reflects its sustained relevance and impact.
3. Global Brand Value Trends: The combined value of the top 100 most valuable brands has surged by 23% to reach $8.7 trillion in the past year. This underscores the significance of brand strength in navigating a volatile global economy. Notably, over three-quarters of the brand value originated from U.S. companies, with Media & Entertainment, Business Solutions & Technology Providers, and Retail categories contributing over half of the total value.
4. Key Trends from Kantar BrandZ's Global Study: a. Sustainability Index: Microsoft, Zara, and IBM lead in the new Kantar Sustainability BrandZ Index, indicating the growing importance of sustainability, accounting for 3% of brand equity. b. Success of Tesla: Tesla's notable rise from No. 47 to No. 29 aligns with the surge in worldwide sales of electric vehicles, doubling in 2021. c. Louis Vuitton's Luxury Triumph: Louis Vuitton breaks into the global Top 10, marking the first luxury brand to achieve this since 2010, driven by a 64% growth in brand value.
5. Diversification and Market Dynamics: The article underscores the role of brand-building, product innovation, and market diversification in maximizing business returns. Brands like Apple, Google, and Amazon, with diversified services spanning technology, entertainment, and payment, have exhibited continued growth. The pandemic has accelerated e-commerce growth, favoring brands with stronger connections to consumers.
6. Trust and Societal Performance: In today's disruptive market, the article emphasizes the importance of brands building trust based on societal performance, not just product performance. Brands that integrate a social purpose into their organizational fabric, such as Nike's commitment to inspire and innovate for a broader audience, are positioned for sustained success.
As brands continue to evolve in the dynamic global market, these insights underscore the critical role of diversification, innovation, and societal trust in maintaining and enhancing brand value. The Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands report serves as a valuable resource for understanding these intricate dynamics across various industry sectors.
