Technology and AI Fuel Global Brand Value Surge, While Luxury and Energy Face Headwinds – Global Top 100 Brands 2025 Report
A new report from the European Brand Institute reveals a notable shift in the global brand landscape, driven by rapid advancements in technology and artificial intelligence.The “Global Top 100 Brand Corporations Ranking” for 2025, based on analysis of over 3,000 brand companies across 16 industries and utilizing financial data from 2024 (source: LSEG Data), demonstrates a clear divergence in performance between sectors.
Tech Giants Lead the Charge
The technology sector experienced substantial growth, with NVIDIA leading the way with an extraordinary +99.9% increase in brand value, nearly doubling its worth and solidifying its position as a key “enabler” of the global digital economy amidst the ongoing AI boom. Apple (+7.9%) and Microsoft (EUR 394.9 billion / +19.6%) also saw significant gains, fueled by strong demand for cloud services, software, and digital ecosystems. the report also highlights the persistent strength and resilience of US retail, with Amazon (+18.1%) and Walmart (+27.4%) demonstrating remarkable growth.
Europe: A Mixed Picture
While Europe experienced some positive momentum, overall growth lagged behind other regions.LVMH retained its position as europes most valuable brand at EUR 127.6 billion, but slipped to 7th place globally.Nestlé (EUR 42.9 billion) and Shell (EUR 42.1 billion) followed in the rankings.Positive signals came from Deutsche Telekom (+14.6%) and SAP (+11.0%), benefiting from the ongoing digitization trend.Though, BMW (-9.1%) and Stellantis (-33.1%) faced challenges due to weak consumer spending, rising costs, and industry pressures. red Bull, Austria’s sole representative, achieved a brand value of EUR 19.6 billion (+3%) and ranked 86th.
Sectoral Shifts: Luxury and Energy Under Pressure
The report identifies a correction phase for the luxury sector after years of dynamic growth. LVMH (-13.9%) and Christian Dior (-10.6%) experienced notable losses, attributed to weaker demand in China and changing consumer behavior in Europe. Hermes (+5.3%) proved resilient through its strong niche positioning.
The energy sector also faced headwinds, with Saudi Aramco (-6.1%) and Shell (-7.5%) recording declines as oil and gas prices normalized following the volatility of 2022-23.
Asia Continues to Drive Growth
asian brands continued to demonstrate strong performance. Alibaba (+5.4%) and Tencent (+11.9%) maintained their leadership in digital ecosystems. Xiaomi (+40.2%) was a major winner, benefiting from expansion in smartphones and electric vehicles. BYD (+11.7%) and Toyota (+12.4%) underscored the region’s central role in the global transition towards electric and hybrid vehicles.
A Structural Realignment
According to Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hrebicek, President of the European Brand Institute, the findings reveal a “structural realignment of the global branded landscape.” He explains,”While technology,AI and Healthcare are increasingly dominating added value worldwide,luxury,energy and traditional industries come into a cyclical correction phase. Our results confirm: Innovation, adaptability and scale effects are the decisive success factors for brand resilience in an uncertain global economy.”
The GLOBAL TOP 100 BRAND CORPORATIONS RANKING is based on the latest ISO-Standards.
