Tata Group, Infosys, HDFC, LIC, Reliance Emerge As Most Valuable Brands: Report

A recent report by Brand Finance names the Tata Group as India’s most valuable brand for 15 years in a row.

Tata Group, with a brand value of USD28.6 billion, highlights the first time an Indian brand is close to the USD30 billion brand value mark, reflecting the prevailing optimism in the Indian economy, the report says.

The top five most valuable brands in India include Tata Group, Infosys, HDFC, LIC and Reliance.

Infosys brand value stood at USD14.2 billion, with a steady 9 per cent growth in brand value, even after considering the slowdown in the IT Services sector at the global level. Jumping to the third spot HDFC Group's valuation stood at USD10.4 billion following the merger with HDFC Ltd.  

Taj continues to grow in stature as the strongest Indian brand ranked with an AAA+ brand strength rating  and is valued at USD545 million, stands as India's strongest brand ranked, achieving a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 92.9 out of 100. This marks Taj's third consecutive year as the top-ranked brand for strength. Additionally, Taj Hotels has shown robust financial growth via both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions.

Telecoms Sector Leads

The report noted that the telecom sector leads the chart with 61 per cent growth in brand value, followed by Banking (26 per cent) and Mining, Iron & Steel sectors recording 16 per cent average growth.

Telecoms giants like Jio, Airtel, and Vi have accelerated growth by adapting to evolving consumer device usage patterns.

Structural reforms and regulatory improvements in the banking sector have enhanced the brand values of leading public sector banks. State Bank of India (SBI) retains its position as the second most valuable bank ranked in India, holding on to the ‘banker to every Indian’ reputation and boasting a brand value of USD 6.9 billion while ICICI Bank made a significant leap with a 33 per cent growth in brand value, reaching USD4.5 billion.

Among the fastest-growing Indian banking brands ranked are Indian Bank (brand value up 63 per cent to USD719 million), IndusInd Bank (brand value up 53 per cent to USD1.3 billion), Union Bank of India (brand value up 48 per cent to USD1.5 billion), and Punjab National Bank, which witnessed a 29 per cent year-on-year growth (USD1.4 billion).

In the Metals sector, including Tata Steel, JSW Group, Hindalco, and Vedanta, robust expansion has been driven by increased infrastructure and manufacturing investments in India. 

Tata Group Leads With The Highest Sustainability Perceptions Value

The 2024 Sustainability Perceptions Index finds that among Indian brands, Tata Group has the highest Sustainability Perceptions Value of USD4 billion. In assessing the gap between sustainability perceptions and performance, HDFC Bank has the highest positive gap value of USD105 million among Indian brands in the rankings.

Other Key Findings

Raymond, the leading Indian apparel brand, records a steady 12 per cent brand value increase to USD305 million. Notably in 2024, Raymond achieves a significant milestone by entering the league of the top 10 strongest brands in India for the first time, securing a BSI rating of AAA-. Zetwerk makes a remarkable debut in the India 100 table, securing the second position among the most valuable engineering brands ranked with a brand value of USD 543 million.

Indigo takes flight as the most valuable airline brand ranked in India this year, achieving an impressive 26 per cent brand value increase, and emerging as the nation’s first airline brand to surpass the USD1 billion mark (brand value USD1.1 billion).

Air India, having overcome initial challenges, also demonstrates positive growth with a 6 per cent brand value increase (brand value USD386 million) while Vistara maintains its upward trajectory with a healthy 55 per cent brand value growth. 

Commenting on the report, Ajimon Francis, Managing Director, of Brand Finance India shares, "Emerging into a major voice for the global south, India is presenting itself as a differentiated leader of the “Global South” by setting the narrative of ‘development, self-reliance and autonomy’. India is today a vital cog in global geopolitics, both with its hard and soft power. Brand Bharat is blooming.  In the past year, India has become one of the most viable destinations for manufacturing, and engineering services, a knowledge hub for R&D and continues to be the flagbearer of IT services globally. As a result, brands such as Tata, Infosys, SBI, Airtel, Reliance, Taj Hotels, L&T, MRF and all continue to punch well above their weight on the global stage.” 

Savio D’Souza, Director, Brand Finance, comments, "Over the last triennium, the Tata Group has orchestrated a rigorous organisational refinement, wholeheartedly embracing digital transformation and cutting-edge technology across its manifold enterprises.  Concurrently, its brand prominence has ascended meteorically, propelled by strategic Indian Premier League sponsorships, aeronautical rebranding endeavours, and an expansive footprint bolstered by the flourishing retail domains of Westside and Tata Consumer products. Moreover, the conglomerate persistently pioneers in societal well-being and ecological stewardship, establishing benchmarks of global eminence.”