Guinness Remains Ireland’s Most Valuable Brand at €2.1 Billion
Guinness remains Ireland’s most valuable brand after growing by 5% over the last year to a brand value of €2.1 billion on the back of new product innovations and steady sales of the world-famous draught, according to the latest report by Brand Finance, the world’s leading independent brand valuation and strategy consultancy.
Guinness’s brand value has been supported by revenue growth primarily in Europe and Africa, with sales remaining steady elsewhere. In addition, Diageo, the corporate parent and owner of St James’s Gate brewery, has launched new products using the Guinness brand, including full-flavoured non-alcoholic beer to reach a whole new customer base. This represents a clear strategic vision to better leverage the strength of the Guinness brand into new product segments.
Simon Haigh, Managing Director, Brand Finance Ireland, comments: “Ireland’s home-grown brands are worthy ambassadors for the Irish economy, which saw an impressive 7% increase over the past year. Their strong reputation derives not just from successful marketing campaigns, but because they create authentic value for their customers. Guinness leads by example, delighting with every pour, settle, and sip.”
Ireland’s 10 Most Valuable Sector Brands
| Rank 2018 | Rank 2017 | Brand name | Country | Brand value (EUR b) 2018 | % change | Brand value (EUR b) 2017 | Brand rating 2018 | Brand rating 2017 |
| 1 | 1 | Guinness | Beers | 2.1 | 5% | 2.0 | AA | AAA- |
| 2 | 4 | Allied Irish Banks | Banks | 1.9 | 40% | 1.4 | AA- | AA- |
| 3 | 2 | Primark / Penneys | Apparel | 1.8 | 1% | 1.8 | AA+ | AAA- |
| 4 | 3 | Ryanair | Airlines | 1.6 | 4% | 1.5 | AA+ | AA+ |
| 5 | 7 | Smurfit Kappa | Eng. & Con. | 1.2 | 6% | 1.2 | AA | AA- |
| 6 | 8 | DCC | Oil & Gas | 1.1 | 0% | 1.1 | A | A |
| 7 | 5 | Bank of Ireland | Banks | 0.9 | -30% | 1.3 | A+ | AA- |
| 8 | 9 | Jameson | Spirits | 0.8 | 3% | 0.8 | AA | AA |
| 9 | 10 | Ardagh Group | Eng. & Con. | 0.7 | 6% | 0.7 | A+ | A+ |
| 10 | 12 | Kingspan | Eng. & Con. | 0.7 | 26% | 0.6 | A | AA- |
