Economic optimism has driven brand values to record levels, in the Kantar BrandZ global ranking.

The world’s most valuable brands have experienced record growth, according to the Kantar BrandZ™ Most Valuable Global Brands 2021 ranking… with the total worth reaching $7.1 trillion – equivalent to the combined GDP of France and Germany.

The 42% increase, more than four times the study’s annual average percentage increase over the past 15 years, has been driven by confidence derived from vaccine availability, economic stimulus packages, and improving GDP outlooks.

US brands account for 56 of the Top 100 brands, with Amazon and Apple leading the way – each now worth over US$½ trillion.