Standard Bank, FNB and Castle top the BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable South African Brands 2019 ranking.
This week, the BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable South African Brands ranking was released by WPP and Kantar. The combined value of these top 30 South African brands was $37.14 billion.
While the challenging economic and political environment resulted in a 13 percent drop in value across these brands from 2018, the brands in the ranking outperformed the JSE Top40 Index, which fell 20 percent in dollar terms during the valuation period.
The ranking announcement stated that the total brand value of the ranking in relation to the South African GDP should what these brands are in relatively good health, “on a par with or stronger than many other countries with larger GDPs”.
The BrandZ study combines company financial data with consumer insight and opinion, and reinforces the importance of strong brands.
The announcement explained:
“While not immune to difficult circumstances, strong brands are protected from the worst macroeconomic effects and are positioned for a fast return to growth when the positions improve. This is key as South Africa adopts an increasingly more positive outlook following the 2018 change in government.”
Standard Bank retained the first position, with a brand value of $3.55 billion, while First National Bank, in second place, is closing the gap with a value of $3.46 billion, having continued to invest in customer-focused digital innovation and strong communications.
Capitec Bank, one of only three brands whose value went up, increased in value to $846 million, and rose three places to number 17.
The fastest riser in the BrandZ 2019 ranking is DStv, which increased in value by 38 percent to $1.07 billion, in part due to parent company Multichoice’s listing on the JSE. It rose six places to secure the 18th position.
The expanded scope of the research covering life insurance in the BrandZ report saw two newcomers to the Top 30 – Sanlam, valued at $1.04 billion is at number 15, and Liberty, with a value of $407 million, is at number 27.
Nando’s was the third brand in the fastest risers category, increasing 2 percent to $2.21 billion, keeping the number 6 slot for the second year.
Ivan Moroke, CEO at South Africa Kantar, Insights Division, says:
“Brands that have dared to be different have continued to innovate and dedicated themselves to really understanding the South African consumer – particularly during more challenging economic times when people are conscious of what they’re spending. These brands are well-placed for future growth as we begin to see green shoots and increased optimism within the South African economy.”
This is the full list of the companies in the BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable South African Brands 2019:
