Apple may have had a rough ride of it in the early 1990s, but ever since its co-founder and eventual CEO Steve Jobs returned to the company in 1997, some may say that Apple has been on something of an unstoppable upward motion that has culminated in the firm now being one of the most revered in business. Able to make huge profits and owning the manufacturing and retail chains that make it so streamlined, Apple is perhaps the blueprint by which companies now form their own strategies.
With that in mind, it was probably only a matter of time until Apple became the planet’s most valuable brand, and that happened today when the annual Interbrand Best Global Brands report was released, showing that for the first time in 14 years, there is a no name at the top of the list. Apple is now the most valuable brand around, pipping Coca-Cola to the post – something no brand has managed for over a decade.
Apple’s rise to the top comes after it reached second place last year following an eighth place finish the year before.
“Every so often, a company changes our lives, not just with its products, but with its ethos. This is why, following Coca-Cola’s 13-year run at the top of Best Global Brands, Interbrand has a new No. 1 — Apple.”
According to the report, Apple’s brand is now valued at a whopping $98.3 billion, an increase of 28% from the 2012 results. Google has also leapfrogged Coca-Cola into second place thanks to a $93.3B (up 34%) brand value. Other technology companies making waves include Microsoft in fifth, and Samsung breaking into the top ten with an eighth place finish.
Apple has seen its stock amongst buyers grow over the last ten years, with the iPhone and iPad perhaps the company’s signature products throughout that period. The Mac too is showing strong results, with new more powerful MacBook Pro notebooks selling alongside more lightweight, svelte MacBook Air models. Even with the loss of its co-founder Steve Jobs, it’s very clear that Apple is still on the up side of things thanks to the stewardship of Tim Cook.
Would anyone dare bet against Apple being number one for the next ten years?
(via: NewYorkTimes)
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