Nestlé tops global food brand rankings for 10th year as Coca-Cola leads non-alcoholic drinks sector 

WORLD – Nestlé has been ranked the world’s most valuable food brand for the tenth consecutive year, according to the latest Brand Finance report.  

The Swiss multinational recorded a brand value of US$20.0 billion, despite a 4% decline from 2024. Its value remains more than US$7.0 billion higher than second-placed Lay’s, which holds a brand value of US$12.7 billion. 

Brand Finance data shows Nestlé enjoys high consumer familiarity (9.7), understanding (7.6), and credibility (7.4) but scores lower in engagement (5.8), preference (6.3), and price acceptance (6.3). These figures highlight the challenge of maintaining premium pricing while appealing to price-sensitive consumers. 

In the non-alcoholic drinks category, Coca-Cola retained its position as the most valuable brand for the 11th year in a row.  

The U.S. beverage giant’s brand value rose 32% to US$46.3 billion, more than double that of second-placed Pepsi, which increased 12% to US$22.5 billion. Coca-Cola also leads in brand strength with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.4 out of 100. 

Gatorade ranked as the second strongest non-alcoholic drinks brand with a BSI score of 92.9. Nongfu Spring, China’s largest packaged water supplier, moved up to third place in the value ranking, overtaking Red Bull.  

Its brand value grew 34% to US$11.1 billion, while Red Bull’s increased 16% to US$9.7 billion. Nongfu Spring also ranks third in brand strength with a BSI of 91.1. 

Yorkshire Tea was named the fastest-growing non-alcoholic drinks brand in 2025, with its value surging 93% to US$569 million.  

This growth is attributed to record market share in the UK black tea category. The UK tea market generated approximately US$1.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach nearly US$2.1 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 6.5%. 

In the dairy sector, China’s Yili maintained its position as the most valuable brand, valued at US$11.2 billion. It was the only brand in the ranking to retain the same position as last year, as several Asian dairy brands experienced value declines. 

European dairy brands, however, posted gains. France’s Président was the fastest-growing brand in the sector, with its value climbing 51% to US$3.2 billion.  

Finland’s Valio emerged as the strongest dairy brand globally and the strongest European brand across all sectors in 2025, achieving a BSI score of 96.3. 

Overall, U.S. brands dominate the non-alcoholic drinks ranking, accounting for 67% of its total value—equivalent to US$106.7 billion—with just 16 of the top 50 brands, including Monster, Dr Pepper, and Sprite in the top 10. 

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