Nestlé, Coca-Cola and Yili lead global food and drink rankings in 2025, report

Nestlé remains the most valuable food brand in the world for the tenth consecutive year, according to the 2025 Food & Drink ranking by Brand Finance. With a brand value of USD 20.0 billion, the Swiss multinational continues to lead the global food sector, maintaining a gap of over USD 7.0 billion ahead of second-ranked Lay’s, valued at USD 12.7 billion.

While Nestlé’s brand value declined slightly—down 4 percent from 2024—it continues to benefit from strong consumer familiarity, understanding, and credibility, though it faces challenges in price acceptance and engagement.

Nestlé leads with scale but faces pricing challenges

Brand Finance data shows Nestlé scores highly in familiarity (9.7 out of 10), with solid marks for understanding (7.6) and credibility (7.4). However, weaker scores in engagement (5.8), preference (6.3), and price acceptance (6.3) underscore ongoing tension between premium positioning and growing consumer price sensitivity.

Despite these headwinds, Nestlé also holds the title of most valuable food portfolio brand in 2025, with its broader portfolio valued at USD 65.4 billion.

Lindt named ‘brand to watch’ as premium strength grows

Swiss chocolatier Lindt is among the top 10 most valuable food brands globally, with a 14 percent increase in brand value to USD 4.9 billion. It also ranks among the six strongest food brands, supported by perfect price acceptance scores across key European markets including Germany, France, Spain, the UK, and Switzerland.

Henry Farr, Valuation Director, Brand Finance: "Lindt’s strong performance across key research metrics is reinforced by consumer perceptions. Brand Finance data shows that 63 percent of UK and 56 percent of Swiss consumers view Lindt as expensive but worth the price—the highest percentages among chocolate brands in both markets. Similar sentiments in Germany reflect Lindt’s strong brand appeal and ability to defend premium pricing."

Coca-Cola, Yili, and Valio lead in drinks and dairy categories

Coca-Cola remains the most valuable non-alcoholic drinks brand for the 11th year running, with its brand value rising 32 percent to USD 46.3 billion—more than double that of Pepsi, which climbed 12 percent to USD 22.5 billion. Coca-Cola also earned the highest Brand Strength Index (BSI) score among the top 50 drinks brands at 93.4 out of 100.

In the dairy sector, China’s Yili retains its position as the world’s most valuable dairy brand at USD 11.2 billion. It remains the only brand in its category to hold its rank year-over-year, as several Asian dairy brands experienced declines.

France’s Président emerged as the fastest-growing dairy brand, up 51 percent to USD 3.2 billion. Meanwhile, Finland’s Valio is now the strongest dairy brand and the strongest European brand across all sectors in 2025, with a BSI score of 96.3 out of 100.

www.brandfinance.com

Follow Marketing Report on LinkedIn