The global branding community converged on the cultural heart of Japan this past November as the 20th Edition of World Branding Awards took centre stage. Marking a significant milestone, the ceremony departed from its traditional home in London to the celebrated Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts. This shift not only marked two decades of celebrating branding excellence but also signalled the growing influence of the Asian market on the global economic stage.
2025-2026 World Branding Awards Ceremony: A Night of Prestige and Innovation
Against the backdrop of Osaka’s architectural beauty, over 80 international guests gathered to witness the unveiling of the “Brand of the Year” winners. The atmosphere was one of shared triumph, as the awards remain among the most rigorous and sought-after accolades in the industry.
The evening was hosted by acclaimed presenter Allie Sakakibara, whose energy mirrored the vibrant spirit of the host city. A highlight of the night was Miho Noguchi’s keynote speech, which challenged the audience to look beyond traditional marketing. Her session, “Building Emotional Resonance through Immersive Brand Experiences,” highlighted the theme of the 2025 cycle: a brand is no longer defined by its products, but by the promise of a consistent, meaningful experience.
The Rigorous Road to Victory
What sets the World Branding Awards apart is its unique, three-tiered judging process. Unlike other programs that rely solely on a panel of experts, these winners must prove their worth through a combination of:
1. Brand Valuation (30%)
2. Public Online Voting (30%)
3. Consumer Market Research (40%)
Out of over 1,092 nominated brands from 66 countries, fewer than 100 were crowned winners across National, Regional, and Global categories, ensuring that a “Brand of the Year” title remains a mark of true distinction.
Global Icons, Regional Stars, and National Champions
Familiar powerhouses like IKEA (Sweden), Lurpak (Denmark), and Yakult (Japan) maintained their dominance in the Global tier, proving that consistency is the bedrock of longevity.
More importantly, the 2025 ceremony was particularly notable for the surge in Asian excellence. Watsons of Malaysia reclaimed its prestigious Regional title in the Health & Beauty category. At the same time, brands such as Chunghwa Telecom (Taiwan), FERN-D (the Philippines), Indomaret (Indonesia), and KOI Thé (Singapore) were celebrated for their deep-rooted connections to their respective national identities.
National Tier Winners: Aurora, Airland, Bangkok Bank, Boursa Kuwait, Café Amazon, Chunghwa Telecom, EDEKA, Emperador Brandy, Evolene, Farm Fresh, FERN-D (I-FERN), Flimty, Frank & co., Getha, Indomaret, KOI Thé Singapore, Kopi Kenangan, Maybank, Munchy’s, Partners, PTT Station, Royal Umbrella, Scarlett, Spritzer, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Thai Life Insurance, TrueOnline, VISTRA, and ZUS Coffee.
Regional Tier Winners: Amarula, M-150, MR DIY, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Tsui Wah, Vitaday, and Watsons.
Global Tier Winners: IKEA, Lurpak, and Yakult.
Congratulations to all winners!
Explore the complete list of winners here:
The Global Pulse of the 20th World Branding Awards
Reflecting on the milestone 20th edition, Richard Rowles, Chairman of the World Branding Forum, expressed:
“The World Branding Awards goes beyond celebrating success; we spotlight the unwavering effort, vision, and emotional resonance behind it. Every brand is honoured on a global pedestal, recognised not just for what it sells, but for what it stands for.”
Danny Pek, Executive Director, World Branding Forum, noted:
“The Brand of the Year title from the World Branding Awards is widely regarded as a gold standard in the industry, a symbol of prestige earned through exceptional performance, a clear purpose, and public trust. It celebrates brands that don’t just follow trends but define them. This honour reflects a brand’s ability to stay relevant, build trust, and shape the industry standard, not just for today, but for what’s next.”
As the curtains closed on the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, the message was clear: in an increasingly digital and crowded global marketplace, the brands that win are those that remain authentic, resonate, and are relentlessly focused on the consumer.
Revisit the prestigious night by browsing our gallery here.
2026 Preview: The Inaugural Maternalis Edition & Main Edition Awards
World Branding Forum is not resting on its laurels. Looking ahead to 2026, the focus shifts from the general market to the most intimate and trusted of sectors. The branding community is already anticipating the inaugural Maternalis Edition, celebrating the best mother and baby brands, which will debut in Summer 2026. The voting period is scheduled from July 2025 until May 2026. The awards ceremony is tentatively scheduled for this July at the historic Hampton Court Palace in London. The momentum then shifts toward a landmark 2026, with the return of the Main Edition in November and voting scheduled from February to September.
Vote for the 2026-2028 World Branding Awards Maternalis Edition here.
Vote for the 2026-2027 World Branding Awards Main Edition here.
For more info on the survey for both Awards, click here.