Core Insights - The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) is enhancing the application of brand value evaluation models and results, aiming to incorporate "brand value" into more annual performance assessment indicators for central enterprises [2] - The "2025 Central Enterprises Brand Value Report" indicates that brand is a core competitive strength and a crucial soft power for enterprises, with brand value being a significant asset and a measure of growth quality and overall strength [2] - Central enterprises are becoming the "core engine" driving the growth of China's brand value, with an average annual growth rate of over 15%, significantly outpacing the overall growth of the top 100 Chinese enterprises' brand values [2][3] Group 1 - The report highlights that the excess returns of central enterprises are a key support for the enhancement of brand value, showcasing their superior ability to generate economic profits compared to other enterprises [3] - Brand strength is identified as the main focus for the next phase of brand value enhancement for central enterprises, despite the overall growth in brand value [3] - There are existing gaps in brand ecosystem construction, emerging industry layout, and global operational capabilities when compared to globally recognized brands [3] Group 2 - The phased goals and timeline for brand building among central enterprises are becoming clearer, with a roadmap outlined in the "Guiding Opinions on Accelerating the Construction of World-Class Enterprises" [3] - By 2030, it is expected that the awareness of brand leadership among central enterprises will significantly increase, with widespread implementation of brand-strengthening strategies and substantial enhancement of brand value [4] - By 2035, the brand influence, competitiveness, and leadership of central enterprises are projected to significantly improve, resulting in a number of globally recognized and valuable brands [4]

Overall Summary - The Brand Finance report reveals that the total brand value of the world's top 100 retail brands has reached USD 1.3 trillion, with a 9% increase year-on-year, highlighting the dominance of US brands and the strong performance of Chinese e-commerce brands [16][26][29]. Group 1: Brand Performance - Amazon retains its position as the world's most valuable retail brand for the tenth consecutive year, with a brand value of USD 356.4 billion, reflecting a 15% growth [16][35][42]. - Walmart ranks second with a brand value of USD 137.2 billion, marking a 42% increase, driven by private-label expansion and a rebranding effort aimed at younger consumers [16][36]. - Kmart is noted as the fastest-growing brand, with a 79% increase in brand value to USD 2.2 billion, attributed to its successful private label strategy [16][53]. Group 2: Regional Insights - The United States leads with 36 brands contributing 68% of the total brand value, amounting to USD 856.1 billion [29][30]. - China, despite a 14% decline in overall brand value, remains the third-highest contributor with USD 66.7 billion [27][29]. - Germany ranks second in brand value contribution at USD 83.4 billion, with strong performances from discount retailers like Lidl and Aldi [27][29]. Group 3: Brand Strength and Leadership - ICA from Sweden is recognized as the strongest retail brand globally, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.2 [2][65]. - The Brand Guardianship Index ranks Philip Daniele of AutoZone as the top retail brand CEO, reflecting strong leadership in brand management [80][89]. - E-commerce brands are increasingly prominent, with four of the top ten strongest retail brands originating from this sector, including JD.com and Meituan from China [71][72]. Group 4: Sustainability Trends - Sustainability is becoming a critical factor in consumer choice, with 4.9% of consideration driven by sustainability practices in retail [93]. - Brands are focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and ethical sourcing to meet growing consumer demand for transparency and responsible practices [93].