NEW YORK – October 29, 2026 -- Total brand value in Interbrand's Best Global Brands 2026 ranking reached $3.87 trillion, up 8.1% from $3.58 trillion in 2025, as Nvidia entered the Top 10 with the fastest growth of any brand, a gain of more than 71%.
Entertainment overtook Automotive as the second most valuable sector. Automotive recorded the sharpest sector decline.
Nvidia ranks sixth after a 71% brand value surge
Technology remained the biggest driver of value creation, with AI reshaping markets and producing new leaders. Nvidia ranks #6. Google holds #3, while YouTube (#10), Netflix (#23) and Spotify (#39) all posted significant gains.
Interbrand's data also indicates that technology companies are generating revenue faster than they build emotional connection and long-term brand preference. The consultancy stresses the need for sustained brand investment even during periods of explosive growth.
Tesla loses 25 places and almost 38% of brand value
Average brand value across the automotive category declined, as manufacturers struggle to turn innovation into meaningful differentiation. Toyota (#9) remained the highest-ranked automotive brand, but its brand value fell by almost 20%. Tesla (#50) recorded one of the steepest valuation declines in the ranking.
Hyundai (#29), Kia (#87), BYD (#89) and Ferrari (#51) outperformed much of the sector. Interbrand attributes this to clearer propositions and stronger reasons for consumers to choose them.
Luxury splits as Hermès, Chanel, Cartier and Tiffany gain
Luxury remains one of the strongest sectors, but the gap between rising and declining brands is widening. Hermès (#15) strengthened its position as one of the world's most valuable luxury brands. Chanel (#24), Cartier (#69) and Tiffany & Co. (#91) also recorded growth.
Interbrand says heritage retains value only when paired with cultural relevance, desirability and a customer experience that justifies premium pricing.
Four new entrants join the Top 100, led by Zurich at #58
The new entrants are Zurich (#58), Hitachi (#90), GE Healthcare (#95) and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (#99). Interbrand cites focused propositions, strong commercial performance and category leadership as the factors behind their entry.
Interbrand says growth is going to brands that use brand as a business tool
Gonzalo Brujó, Global CEO of Interbrand, said the brands pulling ahead treat brand as "a business tool, not simply an asset". They use it to create new sources of demand and build stronger customer relationships.
Greg Silverman, Global Director of Brand Economics, said the fastest-growing brands have made "Iconic Moves" into arenas outside their core businesses.