Brand Finance’s 2026 dairy ranking puts Yili, Amul and Almarai in the global top five, underlining the resilience of Asian and Middle Eastern brands amid economic uncertainty.

Brand Finance’s newly published list of the Top 10 dairy brands by value and strength has all but confirmed Asia as the world’s dairy leader, with Chinese and Indian companies dominating the top five, DairyReporter reports.

Key points:

  • China’s Yili tops the ranking, with brand value up 29% to US$14.5bn and an AAA rating;
  • France’s Danone is second (US$8.2bn, AA-), followed by China’s Mengniu (US$6bn, +26%, AAA);
  • India’s Amul ranks fourth (US$5bn) and has the highest Brand Strength Index score on the list — 93 (AAA+);
  • the Middle East’s Almarai is fifth (US$4.1bn, AAA-);
  • Vietnam’s Vinamilk and Finland’s Valio also hold AAA+ ratings.

Yili leads the table

China’s Yili takes first place after growing its brand value by 29% to US$14.5bn. Its Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 85 earns it an AAA rating.

France’s Danone follows with a brand value of US$8.2bn and an AA- rating, just ahead of another Chinese dairy group, Mengniu, whose brand value rose 26% to US$6bn. With a BSI score of 87.2, Mengniu also earns an AAA rating.

«Yili’s continued momentum reflects its ability to capture growth across a wide range of dairy categories from everyday milk products to higher-value nutrition segments», said Brand Finance Director Henry Farr.

«Its diversified portfolio, spanning liquid milk, milk powder, yoghurt, ice cream and nutritional products, has enabled it to respond to evolving consumer demand for healthier and more functional dairy options, and continued investment in areas such as adult nutrition and health-oriented products further supports its long-term positioning».

Success despite economic pressure

India’s Amul is fourth with a brand value of US$5bn and an AAA+ rating, while the Middle East’s Almarai is fifth at US$4.1bn with an AAA- rating.

That is a notable result for Chinese, Indian and Middle Eastern dairy brands, given the economic headwinds facing each of these markets.

Almarai’s pressures stem clearly from the ongoing war in Iran, while China and India are both navigating a tense global trade climate this year, largely linked to the fallout from US President Donald Trump’s tariff changes.

China’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth has slowed to around 4.3%, well below the rapid expansion of previous years. This is mainly attributed to the bursting of the property bubble, along with weaker consumer sentiment and spending.

India is forecast to grow faster, at around 7.0%, but a report from its own Ministry of Finance warns against excessive optimism, pointing to several factors likely to affect domestic inflation, including climate change and the impact of El Niño on winter crops.

«Geopolitical tensions and elevated crude oil prices could also add to imported inflation pressures», the ministry said.

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Although Danone held on to second place, its AA- rating is noticeably weaker than those of the others on the list, pointing to relatively lower brand strength than its close Asian and Middle Eastern competitors.

Yili may be the most valuable brand in the ranking, but on BSI it trails India’s Amul by a wide margin. Amul scored an impressive 93 — the highest on the entire list — which earns it the AAA+ rating.

«Amul is an Indian dairy cooperative, and its strength is built on decades of consumer trust, extensive distribution reach and a deep connection with households across the country», Farr added.

«Its farmer-owned cooperative model, supported by a broad portfolio of milk, butter, cheese, ice cream and other dairy products, has helped Amul maintain strong relevance across generations while expanding its international presence».

Vinamilk: a rising star in South East Asia

Amul is not the only dairy company with an AAA+ rating, however. Several brands with lower brand values have achieved it too, including Vietnam’s Vinamilk and Finland’s Valio.

Vinamilk is one to watch in South East Asia and beyond. Despite an unfavourable exchange rate between the Vietnamese currency and the dollar, its brand value stands at US$2.6bn, and its strong BSI score of 89.6 puts it ahead of much bigger companies, reflecting a solid domestic reputation and its firm standing as a trusted household name in Vietnam.

Source: DairyReporter