Back in 2009, brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance plc calculated that the world’s most valuable brand was Walmart. Vodafone (in 8th place) was the highest-placed telecoms company.
In 2010, Wal-Mart retained its top ranking with a 2% value increase to over $41 billion, with Google rising to second place. Vodafone, now in 7th place, remained the top-ranked telecoms brand.
This year’s Brand Finance 'Global 500' report sees Google taking the top spot with its brand now worth over $44 billion. Microsoft was second… and Vodafone, in fifth place, remained the top telecoms brand. In fact, Vodafone is also the only UK-based brand in the top ten.
The biggest fall in brand value also comes from the telecoms industry; Nokia’s brand is said to be worth $9.9 billion less this year, dropping from 21st place last year to 94th place.
David Haigh, CEO of Brand Finance, said ‘‘Vodafone’s presence in the top ten is testament to the UK’s ability to grow and nurture great brands despite a tough economic climate. From a global perspective, five of the top ten largest growers are technology-related companies, reinforcing the importance of embracing technological innovation to give a seamless, value-enhancing brand experience.’’
[Global 500 listing]