Yili increased its brand value by 29% and retained dairy leadership
Yili’s brand value increased by 29%, according to the ranking cited by eDairyNews, reinforcing its position as the leading dairy brand by value. The company operates across several product categories, including liquid milk, milk powder, ice cream and nutritional products.
The assessment associates Yili’s portfolio breadth with demand for dairy products marketed as healthier or functional. Its strategy also includes adult nutrition and health-oriented products, which the report identifies as elements supporting the brand’s longer-term positioning.
Yili’s performance differs from that of a company reliant on a single category. Its presence across multiple segments gives it several areas in which to compete for growth, the report says.
Other brands in the ranking
Arla recorded the fastest increase among the ten brands analysed. Its brand value rose by 39% to $3.4bn. Mengniu’s value increased by 26% to $6bn.
Amul, an Indian brand, received the highest strength score in the ranking, with 93 points out of 100 on the Brand Strength Index. Vinamilk of Vietnam also remained among the world’s strongest dairy brands, scoring 89.6 points.
The figures distinguish brand value from brand strength. Yili led on value, while Amul recorded the highest strength score.
Competition beyond pricing
The report describes a broader shift in food and drink markets. Over the past two years, companies relied heavily on price increases to address inflationary pressure and protect margins. As inflationary conditions eased, the basis of competition began to change, with greater emphasis placed on building value over time.
Henry Farr, Brand Finance’s Global Sector Head of Food & Drink, said that companies making progress were using broad and flexible portfolios to capture growth and defend market share across categories rather than depending only on historically strong positions.
The report also points to trends that could affect demand, including the spread of GLP-1 weight-loss medicines. It says such developments may influence consumer behaviour and increase the importance of portfolio flexibility. Yili’s 29% rise in brand value and its presence in several categories are presented as the ranking’s main example of this approach.
