UK – In a significant shift in the alcoholic drinks industry, Heineken has surpassed Corona Extra to become the world’s most valuable beer brand, valued at an impressive US$7.6 billion, according to a report by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy.
Brand Finance attributes Heineken’s remarkable brand value growth to the Dutch multinational’s commitment to innovation. Heineken also secured the second position in terms of brand strength.
The introduction of Heineken Silver in 2022, an extra-refreshing premium lager made from sustainably sourced barley in support of Heineken’s Brew a Better World sustainability model, played a key role in this success.
“It seems like beer drinkers are not necessarily drinking more, but instead, are drinking better. Beer brands that are delivering on high-quality premium lagers seem to be doing well,” said Henry Farr, associate director at Brand Finance.
Asahi claims the title of the world’s strongest beer brand, earning a brand strength index score of 92.6 out of 100, and a corresponding AAA+ rating. The regional support for Asahi in Japan has been instrumental in developing its brand strength, leading to an 11% increase in brand value to US$2.8 billion.
Zhujiang emerges as the fastest-growing beer brand with a remarkable 44% increase in brand value to US$680 million. This growth is attributed to the brand’s improved standing among younger, more price-sensitive consumers.
In the spirits category, 1800 claims the title of the fastest-growing brand, more than doubling in value since the previous year. The report attributes this growth to tequila’s overall category expansion and the brand’s improved standing among next-generation tequila drinkers.
Elite baijiu brand Moutai continues its dominance as China’s national liquor, maintaining its position as the world’s most valuable spirit brand for the eighth consecutive year with a 16% growth in brand value to US$49.7 million.
Moet & Chandon remains the most valuable Wine & Champagne brand, holding steady at US$1.3 billion despite challenges faced by the Champagne sector. Changyu takes the lead as the strongest Wine & Champagne brand, with a BSI score of 83.2 out of 100, marking three consecutive years of brand strength growth and a 33% increase in brand value to US$1.2 billion.
In the whiskey category, Jack Daniel’s secures its position as the world’s most valuable brand with a 21% growth in brand value to US$3.5 billion. Johnnie Walker follows closely behind with a brand value of US$3.05 billion, becoming whiskey’s second most valuable brand.
Smirnoff claims the top spot as the world’s number one vodka with a brand value of US$2.6 billion. The brand, in collaboration with parent company Diageo, has launched a global responsible drinking campaign, urging consumers to be “wildly responsible.”
Cuban-based Bacardi retains its title as the world’s most valuable rum brand with a brand value of US$2.3 billion, while Gordon surpasses Bombay Sapphire to become the world’s most valuable gin brand with a 38% increase in brand value to US$790 million.
The tequila sector remains dominated by three Mexican brands: Don Julio with a brand value of US$1.8 billion, followed by Patron with a brand value of US$1.6 billion, and Jose Cuervo with a brand value of US$1.1 billion.
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