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Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has achieved a major milestone by securing the No. 2 position in the FutureBrand Index (FBI) Global Ranking 2024, surpassing tech giant Apple. This marks the first time an Indian company has entered the top three of the Index, which evaluates brands based on public perception rather than financial performance.
The FutureBrand Index is a global ranking system that assesses the world’s top 100 companies based on how strongly they resonate with consumers and stakeholders. Unlike traditional rankings that focus on market capitalization or revenue, this index considers brand experience, consumer trust, innovation, and long-term impact. It highlights companies that successfully connect with people’s expectations and values, reflecting brand strength beyond financial success.
According to the FBI Global Ranking 2024, Reliance made a remarkable jump from No. 13 in 2023 to No. 2 in 2024, thanks to its strong brand positioning, consumer trust, and strategic expansion across energy, telecommunications, and retail. The report notes a significant shift in global brand leadership, with companies from APAC and the Middle East challenging the dominance of US-based firms at the top of the rankings.
In 2014, seven of the Top 10 brands came from the United States, but by 2024, only four US brands remain in the top tier. Meanwhile, five brands from the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and the Middle East have gained prominence, underscoring the growing investment in brand development, particularly in B2B sectors, that is reshaping global perceptions.
Samsung secured the No. 1 spot, climbing four places from 2023. The report credits Samsung’s rise to its commitment to innovation and brand consistency, which has strengthened its customer loyalty and global reputation.
Meanwhile, Apple, which was No. 1 in 2023, dropped to No. 3. Despite this decline, Apple continues to rank high in brand consistency, customer engagement, and well-being. The report notes that Apple remains the leading brand in the information technology sector, driven by its premium quality, sustainability, and innovation.
The rankings also reveal brands that have lost consumer confidence over time. Companies like Boeing (#12 in 2014) and Volkswagen (#17 in 2014) no longer appear in the 2024 FutureBrand Index, illustrating how public perception can shift dramatically. This year’s rankings reinforce the growing dominance of Asian and Middle Eastern brands on the global stage, signaling a fundamental shift in brand leadership and consumer trust worldwide.
