The 2017 survey polled 3 500 individuals, aged 18 years and older, in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas in South Africa to establish a ranking of top brands in 32 Consumer categories. Similarly, 468 business leaders and decision-makers were interviewed to establish the top brands across 12 Business categories.

The Kantar TNS methodology used to establish brand ranking and category winners is based on the concept of relative advantage. This takes brand familiarity and awareness, the perceptions of users and non-users, as well as the size of brand presence in the market into account.

Nuala Harris-Morele of Kantar TNS says, "While 2017 saw a downgrade of the South African economy and some pressure on food prices through Rand fluctuations, South Africans seem to have, through some dramatic spending changes last year, found a way to manage their budgets better and create space for some additional luxuries here and there." 

Harris-Morele adds, "While we see an increase in spending on beauty and cosmetics, alcohol, electronic appliances, and sit-down restaurants, we can’t necessarily attribute it as irresponsible spending. We also noticed an increase in both long and short-term insurance policy ownership."

Consumer Grand Prix Awards

For the first time, the Consumer Overall Favourite Brand Grand Prix was awarded to KFC, which improved on its third-place ranking last year. Samsung and Shoprite came in second and third place respectively.

Coca-Cola, once again, received the Consumer Green Award for the role it plays in preserving South Africa’s environment and natural resources, as well as the Consumer Social Investment Award. Eskom and Shoprite featured in the top three positions of both Grand Prix rankings.

Other winning brands in the Consumer categories included BonAqua, Red Bull, Heineken, Hunter’s Dry, Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Enterprise, All Gold Tomato Sauce, Tastic, KOO, Clover, Rainbow, Shoprite, Spur, Nivea, Samsung, Defy, Mercedes-Benz, Engen, South African Airways, Capitec, OUTsurance, Old Mutual, SABC1, Pick n Pay Smart Shopper, Daily Sun, and the Sunday Times.

Vodacom earns Business Grand Prix Awards

The Business Overall Favourite Brand remains Vodacom. The Apple iPhone came in second place, with Discovery Health Medical Scheme in third. Vodacom received the Business Green Award, followed by Nedbank and Woolworths in second and third place respectively.

Vodacom also claimed top spot and won the Business Social Investment Award. Discovery Health Medical Scheme and Pick n Pay claimed second and third spot respectively.

Other winning brands in the Business categories included British Airways, Avis, Toyota, Discovery Life, Santam, FNB, Apple iPhone, Allan Gray, Discovery Health Medical Scheme, Glenmorangie, and Business Day.

The 2017 Robyn Putter Award for creative agencies

The Robyn Putter Award recognises the efforts of the creative agencies behind the winning brands. The winning agency is calculated on a points system based on the performance of its clients in the Sunday Times Top Brands survey. The 2017 recipient is Ogilvy & Mather.

Reardon Sanderson, GM of sales and marketing at Tiso Blackstar Group, says, "We tested the Sunday Times top brands survey and we were given a resoundingly positive endorsement in terms of ratings for awareness and value that the survey offers to marketers and advertisers alike."

"In an environment where there is a proliferation of awards, 'top brands' are still regarded as the industry standard, where being awarded at Sunday Times Top Brands holds serious currency for brands," adds Sanderson.

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