The Food & Drink Report 2026 from Brand Finance looked at the brand value of major companies in the sector.
It analysed them by brand value, which is the net economic benefit that a brand owner would achieve by licensing the brand in the open market.
The report found that value of the top 10 global dairy brands has reached $50.8 billion.
The report said that Yili’s continued momentum saw it capture growth across a wide range of dairy categories from everyday milk products to higher value nutritional segments.
Its diversified portfolio, which spans liquid milk, milk powder, ice cream and nutritional products, has enabled Yili to “respond to evolving consumer demand for healthier and more functional dairy options.”
It also pointed out that its continued investment in areas such as adult nutrition and health-orientated products “further supports its long-term positioning.”
The report revealed that Amul, the Indian dairy brand, ranks as the world’s strongest dairy brands, achieving a BSI score of 93/100 in the Dairy 10 ranking
Mengniu, one of China’s leading dairy brands, also continues to strengthen its position against established Western competitors. Its brand value was up by 26% to $6 billion.
Arla, the Scandinavian based dairy company, recorded the fastest growth among the 10 brands in the ranking, with its brands value up 39% to $3.4 billion.
Meanwhile Vietnamese-based Vinamilk remained one of the strongest dairy brands globally achieving a BSI score of 89.6/100.
The report also said that leading non-alcoholic drinks brands are differentiating themselves through innovation, health credentials, portfolio expansion and consumer trust.
It said that for the past two years, food and drink brands have relied heavily on price increases to navigate inflationary pressures and protect margins. However, as inflationary conditions begin to ease, the basis of competition is shifting, it said.
Coca-Cola (brand value down 1% to $46.1 billion) retained its position as the most valuable non-alcoholic drinks brand. However, Nongfu Spring (brand value up 38% to $15.3 billion), the Chinese bottled water and tea brand now leads the ranking ahead of last year’s champion.
Henry Farr, Global Sector Head of Food & Drink, Brand Finance, said: “The global food and beverage sector is changing rapidly. After two years in which price increases led to revenue growth without meaningful increase in profitability, brands now need to show where long-term value will come from.”
Farr added: “Those pulling ahead are using broad, flexible portfolios to capture growth and defend market share across categories against upstart challenger brands, rather than relying only on historically strong positions. Diversification will become even more important as trends such as GLP-1 weight-loss drugs begin to reshape consumer demand. Brands that build flexibility into their portfolios now will be better placed as these shifts accelerate.”
