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The Future of Brand Growth: Kantar's Annual Celebration

On May 19, 2026, the marketing world witnessed an impressive gathering of advertising leaders as Kantar hosted its third annual Brand Gala in New York City. This prestigious event was dedicated to honoring the most valuable and impactful global brands, unveiling the esteemed 2026 BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands list. High-profile brands like Amazon, Coca-Cola, Disney, Fenty Beauty, Google, and TikTok were recognized for their extraordinary accomplishments, showcasing how marketers can leverage intelligence, AI, and meaningful differences to foster growth.

The evening commenced with an insightful discussion featuring Jeff Greenspoon, Kantar's CEO for the Americas, and TIME's CEO, Jessica Sibley. This fireside chat addressed the changing media landscape and underscored the growing importance of trust as both marketers and consumers navigate this environment. Sibley emphasized that trust is the cornerstone of TIME's operations: "Trust for us is our number one value… it's become more than just our purpose; it's our actual product."

Throughout the evening, Kantar celebrated brands that have not only gained consumer trust but also redefined what it means to have global value. This is measured through Kantar BrandZ's unique metrics, focusing on Making a Meaningful Difference and anticipating future growth. In its 21st year, Kantar BrandZ has surveyed over 4.6 million respondents about 22,392 brands across 545 categories, allowing it to quantify how brands contribute to enterprise value.

The Award Winners

The spotlight was on several renowned brands as they received accolades for their achievements:

• - Google: Awarded as the 2026 BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brand, Google achieved an impressive 57% increase in brand value year-on-year. Marie Gulin-Merle, Global VP of Ads & Commerce at Google, noted that the recognition reflects the brand's commitment to integrating AI into everyday experiences, making users’ lives easier.

• - TikTok: Recognized as the 2026 Most Transformative Global Media Brand, TikTok has successfully bridged the gap between content and commerce. Its innovative features like TikTok Shop allow users to discover products and make purchases seamlessly.

• - Disney: Taking home the title of 2026 BrandZ Most Meaningful US Brand, Disney's strong emotional connection with audiences has allowed it to preserve its identity while consistently delivering memorable experiences. John Campbell of Disney stressed the company's dedication to storytelling, which engenders lasting relationships with fans.

• - Amazon: Awarded for being the 2026 BrandZ Most Different US Brand, Amazon’s unique edge lies in its ability to provide speed, reliability, and value in its retail marketing while also demonstrating innovation in its AWS services.

• - Coca-Cola: The iconic brand earned the title of 2026 US Premium Brand, illustrating its capability to command a price premium through its distinct brand presence and cultural relevancy. Stacy Jackson, Vice President at Coca-Cola, remarked on the importance of consistency and trust in creating a brand that feels accessible to all generations.

• - Fenty Beauty: As the 2026 US Future Power Brand, Fenty Beauty’s mission of inclusion goes beyond marketing; it's a core part of the brand's identity. Logan Malone, Creative Director at Fenty Global, acknowledged the significance of its diverse creator community in driving growth and cultural relevance.

Kantar BrandZ's analysis continues to evolve and provide vital insights into how brands can create real value. In a fast-paced, competitive market, Kantar's mission is to equip marketers with the tools necessary for building sustainable brand growth through meaningful differentiation. As change accelerates, Kantar remains at the forefront of brand growth intelligence, guiding brands to interpret signals into actionable insights that drive forward momentum.

For more in-depth information, the complete 2026 BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands report is available for exploration.

About Kantar

Kantar stands as the world’s premier marketing data and analytics firm, empowering brands with the intelligence required for robust growth. From predictive analytics to effective marketing strategies, Kantar remains a trusted partner for brands aiming to connect with consumers meaningfully. With a unique blend of human and synthetic data, Kantar delivers unmatched insights that help brands thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.